The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, and
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 8:1-2,
"Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a
high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the
Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true
tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being."
Under God's previous covenant with the nation of Israel, a tabernacle
was to be built with a priesthood that was to serve there. The work of
the priests (from the tribe of Levi) was to offer gifts and sacrifices
for the sins of the people. Here the writer of Hebrews makes a point,
the "main point". The tabernacle with its accouterments, the
priesthood and service performed there was only a shadow or symbol of
what exists in heaven. The main point being that Jesus Christ is the
high priest of that heavenly reality!
"They [the Levitical priesthood] serve at a sanctuary that is a copy
and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he
was about to build the tabernacle: 'See to it that you make everything
according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.'" Hebrews 8:5.
The heavenly reality of what the earthly sanctuary (with its Levitical
priesthood) was a copy or shadow of, is where our great high priest,
Jesus Christ serves. Unlike the earthly sanctuary, where the priests
continually offered sacrifices for sins, Jesus' sacrifice was a once
for all eternity sacrifice for sins, "Unlike the other high priests,
he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own
sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their
sins once for all when he offered himself." Hebrews 7:27. How
important the cross of Jesus Christ is!
In the passage above we are told that Jesus Christ, our "high priest",
took his position at the "right hand of the throne of the Majesty in
heaven" and now serves in the heavenly sanctuary. Since his sacrifice
for the sins of all mankind for all time was a "once for all"
sacrifice, what comprises his serving there?
One thing we can be certain of, and it is an amazing and exciting
thing to contemplate, is that he intercedes for us believers with God
the Father, "Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to
life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."
Romans 8:34b. This he does along with the Holy Spirit on behalf of us
believers! "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We
do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself
intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our
hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for
God's people in accordance with the will of God." Romans 8:26-27.
It is just astounding to think that among the three persons of the
Trinity, the Holy Spirit and the Son of God intercede for you and for
me with God the Father! On our behalf! This is an astonishing thing to
contemplate! Will your name or my name come before God the Father from
our great high priest, Jesus Christ, or our advocate (John 14:26), the
Holy Spirit today?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Monday, September 8, 2025
A Different Order of Priesthood - Ruminating in the Word of God
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, and
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 7:11-17,
"If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical
priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that
priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in
the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? For when the
priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. He of whom these
things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that
tribe has ever served at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord
descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing
about priests. And what we have said is even more clear if another
priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on
the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the
power of an indestructible life. For it is declared: 'You are a priest
forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'"
The writer of Hebrews is wonderfully considerate in helping us
understand the things of Jesus Christ. Here he provides an explanation
as to why Jesus Christ is recognized as our great high priest when he
didn't descend from the tribe of Levi as the law God gave required.
Jesus was from the tribe of Judah.
Earlier, in Hebrews 3:1 we read, "Therefore, holy brothers and
sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on
Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest." Jesus is
called our "merciful and faithful high priest in service to God",
Hebrews 2:17. He is not just any high priest but our "great high
priest", Hebrews 4:14.
A priest represents the people to God. The high priests offered gifts
and sacrifices for their own sins as well as for the sins of the
people, Hebrews 5:1-3. But the blood offered on the altar by the high
priests under the law was the blood of animals. Jesus, however,
offered his own blood as a sacrifice for the sins of all mankind for
all time, thereby becoming our great high priest.
The writer of Hebrews quotes psalm 110:4 to explain that the levitical
priesthood has not been the only order of priesthood in God's economy
of things. We read of Melchizedek, king of Salem (Jerusalem) in
Abraham's day, 2 millennia before the birth of Jesus Christ. In
Genesis 14:18 we read, "He [Melchizedek] was priest of God Most High".
Jesus is likened to the order of Melchizedek in that he was not a
descendant of Levi (Levi was not born yet!). In the Scriptures we read
nothing of Melchizedek's parents, nothing about his lineage, nothing
about his birth or death. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and though
he entered into the human race through Mary, as the God the Son, he
has no beginning and no end recorded because he is eternal. This is
why we read in verse 3 about Melchizedek, "Without father or mother,
without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life,
resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever."
The Levitical priesthood is not the only priesthood in God's order of
things as Hebrews points out. You and I are priests as well! "As you
come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and
precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a
spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:4-5. Also, 1 Peter
2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who
called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 7:11-17,
"If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical
priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that
priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in
the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? For when the
priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. He of whom these
things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that
tribe has ever served at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord
descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing
about priests. And what we have said is even more clear if another
priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on
the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the
power of an indestructible life. For it is declared: 'You are a priest
forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'"
The writer of Hebrews is wonderfully considerate in helping us
understand the things of Jesus Christ. Here he provides an explanation
as to why Jesus Christ is recognized as our great high priest when he
didn't descend from the tribe of Levi as the law God gave required.
Jesus was from the tribe of Judah.
Earlier, in Hebrews 3:1 we read, "Therefore, holy brothers and
sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on
Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest." Jesus is
called our "merciful and faithful high priest in service to God",
Hebrews 2:17. He is not just any high priest but our "great high
priest", Hebrews 4:14.
A priest represents the people to God. The high priests offered gifts
and sacrifices for their own sins as well as for the sins of the
people, Hebrews 5:1-3. But the blood offered on the altar by the high
priests under the law was the blood of animals. Jesus, however,
offered his own blood as a sacrifice for the sins of all mankind for
all time, thereby becoming our great high priest.
The writer of Hebrews quotes psalm 110:4 to explain that the levitical
priesthood has not been the only order of priesthood in God's economy
of things. We read of Melchizedek, king of Salem (Jerusalem) in
Abraham's day, 2 millennia before the birth of Jesus Christ. In
Genesis 14:18 we read, "He [Melchizedek] was priest of God Most High".
Jesus is likened to the order of Melchizedek in that he was not a
descendant of Levi (Levi was not born yet!). In the Scriptures we read
nothing of Melchizedek's parents, nothing about his lineage, nothing
about his birth or death. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and though
he entered into the human race through Mary, as the God the Son, he
has no beginning and no end recorded because he is eternal. This is
why we read in verse 3 about Melchizedek, "Without father or mother,
without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life,
resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever."
The Levitical priesthood is not the only priesthood in God's order of
things as Hebrews points out. You and I are priests as well! "As you
come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and
precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a
spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:4-5. Also, 1 Peter
2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who
called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
Friday, September 5, 2025
God Remembers! - Ruminating in the Word of God
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, and
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 6:10,
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have
shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."
Our Savior set aside the amenities that accompany his exalted position
as a member of the godhead: God the Son. He did this so that sinful
and fallen mankind might have an opportunity to be restored from God's
own horrific judgment. As God, he became a man by entering the human
race, lived in this cursed world and purchased us from his own
judgment by dying a miserable death on our behalf. He only asks of us
that we embrace him in the faith Abraham modeled so long ago. I
mention these things as a way of illustrating for myself the wonder of
God's character.
As our Lord has done these things… is there anything too big he should
expect from me in return? He reached out to us in his boundless love
for us, expressing a kindness and mercy toward us that we did not
deserve in our rebellion and rejection of him as a race of people. He
has communicated his heart to us in the pages of Scripture, filled our
hearts with his Holy Spirit as a comforting and energizing force in
our lives who produces wonderful things within each of us: love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, etc. He has provided us wonderful brothers
and sisters in the faith who administer God's grace towards us in its
various forms. He provides us his ear as he invites us to bring our
cares and concerns to him in prayer.
All these things our loving God has done for us. What should I think
he expects from me in return? Even if I gave all he has blessed me
with, even if I gave my life for him - wouldn't that just be expected?
And yet from this verse in Hebrews 6:10, I learn that whatever I do to
help his people, he will remember! Even with all our wonderful Savior
has done for us, what work and love I have shown him, he remembers!
In addition to all of the other matchless perfections of our wonderful
God, our God is a God of appreciation! He remembers!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 6:10,
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have
shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."
Our Savior set aside the amenities that accompany his exalted position
as a member of the godhead: God the Son. He did this so that sinful
and fallen mankind might have an opportunity to be restored from God's
own horrific judgment. As God, he became a man by entering the human
race, lived in this cursed world and purchased us from his own
judgment by dying a miserable death on our behalf. He only asks of us
that we embrace him in the faith Abraham modeled so long ago. I
mention these things as a way of illustrating for myself the wonder of
God's character.
As our Lord has done these things… is there anything too big he should
expect from me in return? He reached out to us in his boundless love
for us, expressing a kindness and mercy toward us that we did not
deserve in our rebellion and rejection of him as a race of people. He
has communicated his heart to us in the pages of Scripture, filled our
hearts with his Holy Spirit as a comforting and energizing force in
our lives who produces wonderful things within each of us: love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, etc. He has provided us wonderful brothers
and sisters in the faith who administer God's grace towards us in its
various forms. He provides us his ear as he invites us to bring our
cares and concerns to him in prayer.
All these things our loving God has done for us. What should I think
he expects from me in return? Even if I gave all he has blessed me
with, even if I gave my life for him - wouldn't that just be expected?
And yet from this verse in Hebrews 6:10, I learn that whatever I do to
help his people, he will remember! Even with all our wonderful Savior
has done for us, what work and love I have shown him, he remembers!
In addition to all of the other matchless perfections of our wonderful
God, our God is a God of appreciation! He remembers!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Jesus Christ Suffered For Us - Ruminating in the Word of God
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, and
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 5:7-10,
"During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and
petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from
death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although
he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once
made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who
obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of
Melchizedek."
As we read of the theological discussions that took place in the very
early church we find that one of the big issues of the day was a
discussion over whether Jesus Christ was human or not. Did he really
have a body or did he only seem to have one. His deity wasn't
questioned, but was he really human? We get something of the feel for
it in John's first letter where he says, "That which was from the
beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,
which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim
concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and
testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with
the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have
seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us." 1 John
1:1-3a.
John appears to argue against those false teachers who taught that the
Son of God really did not take on humanity with a physical body, etc.
but only appeared to do so. The issue of our day regarding the nature
of Jesus Christ is just the opposite. The false teachers of our day
often acknowledge that Jesus Christ was human, an "historical figure"
but doubt his deity. He was a man but certainly not God. The truth of
the matter is that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man all in one
person at the same time. I remember from my college days the
theological phrase describing Jesus Christ as the "theo-anthropic man
in hypostatic union". Now there is a phrase to throw around at your
next barbeque!
While the current false teaching will lead to certain damnation, I
find the earlier false teaching particularly offensive. It shrugs off
the notion that Jesus Christ as God the Son did not suffer. It
nullifies the appreciation for all our wonderful Savior endured on our
behalf. As I read this passage in Hebrews 5, I am reminded that Jesus
Christ struggled for us. It is one thing to see someone who is
impervious to pain, suffering, sorrow and anguish do things for us.
"No sweat." It is quite another to see someone endure that very pain,
suffering, sorrow and anguish in their effort to rescue us. It
displays a love, a compassion that transcends our understanding and
leads us to an inexorable and inevitable passion to worship him for
all he has done for us.
How can I not feel the strings of my heart tugged in a big way as I
read of his cries and tears, his suffering, his anguish and pain: all
endured on my behalf to save me from God's own judgment for the sin
and rebellion in my life? What love and what giving our Lord has
provided us!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 5:7-10,
"During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and
petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from
death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although
he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once
made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who
obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of
Melchizedek."
As we read of the theological discussions that took place in the very
early church we find that one of the big issues of the day was a
discussion over whether Jesus Christ was human or not. Did he really
have a body or did he only seem to have one. His deity wasn't
questioned, but was he really human? We get something of the feel for
it in John's first letter where he says, "That which was from the
beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,
which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim
concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and
testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with
the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have
seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us." 1 John
1:1-3a.
John appears to argue against those false teachers who taught that the
Son of God really did not take on humanity with a physical body, etc.
but only appeared to do so. The issue of our day regarding the nature
of Jesus Christ is just the opposite. The false teachers of our day
often acknowledge that Jesus Christ was human, an "historical figure"
but doubt his deity. He was a man but certainly not God. The truth of
the matter is that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man all in one
person at the same time. I remember from my college days the
theological phrase describing Jesus Christ as the "theo-anthropic man
in hypostatic union". Now there is a phrase to throw around at your
next barbeque!
While the current false teaching will lead to certain damnation, I
find the earlier false teaching particularly offensive. It shrugs off
the notion that Jesus Christ as God the Son did not suffer. It
nullifies the appreciation for all our wonderful Savior endured on our
behalf. As I read this passage in Hebrews 5, I am reminded that Jesus
Christ struggled for us. It is one thing to see someone who is
impervious to pain, suffering, sorrow and anguish do things for us.
"No sweat." It is quite another to see someone endure that very pain,
suffering, sorrow and anguish in their effort to rescue us. It
displays a love, a compassion that transcends our understanding and
leads us to an inexorable and inevitable passion to worship him for
all he has done for us.
How can I not feel the strings of my heart tugged in a big way as I
read of his cries and tears, his suffering, his anguish and pain: all
endured on my behalf to save me from God's own judgment for the sin
and rebellion in my life? What love and what giving our Lord has
provided us!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
The Bible Is From God! - Ruminating in the Word of God
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, and
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 4:12-13,
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any
double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,
joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is
uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give
account."
The Bible, the Scriptures, are called the "word of God". Jesus called
the Bible of his day, what we call the Old Testament, the "word of
God". In referencing Exodus and Deuteronomy he castigated the
Pharisees and teachers of the law for "nullifying" the "word of God"
in favor of the traditions they had developed, Matthew 15:3-9. In Acts
13:46 Luke called the message Paul and Barnabas were preaching "the
word of God" as well. We find the gospel message called by that name
at many places throughout the New Testament. Jesus Christ himself is
called the "Word of God" in Revelation 19:13.
As I understand the phrase, in all cases the term "word of God" refers
to revelation from God: God speaking to us. He has a message for us
that he wants us to listen to, to understand, to respond to. Over the
years the "word of God" has been collected, handed down through the
ages, translated into many languages, and bound in a single volume
that sits on my coffee table: my Bible.
Actually, I have a number of Bibles that I read from and the one on my
coffee table is not collecting dust. The reason is that I believe with
all my heart that God speaks to me, to each one of us, through the
Scriptures, our Bibles. In its pages I have come to know my God, as
well as I know him to date, as he reveals to me things about himself.
He tells us what many of his thoughts are, he tells us how he feels
about different kinds of things, he tells us what his intentions are,
his plans, what he has in store for us. I see his heart on display,
his love for mankind, his loving kindness, his mercy. I also read of
his intolerance of sin, his intolerance of false religions and his
intolerance of those who would speak for him but have not been sent by
him. His judgment is on display in the pages of Scripture.
The astonishing thing is that the more I read my Bible, the more I see
things I have never seen before. It just seems to come alive as I read
it. As the writer of Hebrews says, it is "living and active". I also
find that the Bible points out many things about me, things that are
not consistent with the beauty of God's magnificent qualities and
perfections. It has a way of revealing those things to me and brings
me the encouragement to work on those areas in my life. I feel the
Holy Spirit within me, bringing conviction about those things and
providing strength and endurance to work on those areas in my life. In
short, together with the work of the Holy Spirit within, I find my
time in the Bible something that changes me from within.
I know the Bible is the "word of God" as it sees right through me. I
can think, feel, act any way I want but as I get honest with the
Bible, it is just astonishing how it sees me for exactly who and what
I am: someone who is flawed with a sin nature, but loved and pursued
by God. Someone who has an inheritance in the family of God promised
through the redemption Jesus paid on the cross. The Bible doesn't
sugar-coat a thing. How can any body of literature do that?
God certainly can and does as all things are uncovered and laid bare
before his eyes! How astonishing is the thought that the Creator of
the cosmos has spoken to us and made that word available to us in the
Bible!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 4:12-13,
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any
double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,
joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is
uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give
account."
The Bible, the Scriptures, are called the "word of God". Jesus called
the Bible of his day, what we call the Old Testament, the "word of
God". In referencing Exodus and Deuteronomy he castigated the
Pharisees and teachers of the law for "nullifying" the "word of God"
in favor of the traditions they had developed, Matthew 15:3-9. In Acts
13:46 Luke called the message Paul and Barnabas were preaching "the
word of God" as well. We find the gospel message called by that name
at many places throughout the New Testament. Jesus Christ himself is
called the "Word of God" in Revelation 19:13.
As I understand the phrase, in all cases the term "word of God" refers
to revelation from God: God speaking to us. He has a message for us
that he wants us to listen to, to understand, to respond to. Over the
years the "word of God" has been collected, handed down through the
ages, translated into many languages, and bound in a single volume
that sits on my coffee table: my Bible.
Actually, I have a number of Bibles that I read from and the one on my
coffee table is not collecting dust. The reason is that I believe with
all my heart that God speaks to me, to each one of us, through the
Scriptures, our Bibles. In its pages I have come to know my God, as
well as I know him to date, as he reveals to me things about himself.
He tells us what many of his thoughts are, he tells us how he feels
about different kinds of things, he tells us what his intentions are,
his plans, what he has in store for us. I see his heart on display,
his love for mankind, his loving kindness, his mercy. I also read of
his intolerance of sin, his intolerance of false religions and his
intolerance of those who would speak for him but have not been sent by
him. His judgment is on display in the pages of Scripture.
The astonishing thing is that the more I read my Bible, the more I see
things I have never seen before. It just seems to come alive as I read
it. As the writer of Hebrews says, it is "living and active". I also
find that the Bible points out many things about me, things that are
not consistent with the beauty of God's magnificent qualities and
perfections. It has a way of revealing those things to me and brings
me the encouragement to work on those areas in my life. I feel the
Holy Spirit within me, bringing conviction about those things and
providing strength and endurance to work on those areas in my life. In
short, together with the work of the Holy Spirit within, I find my
time in the Bible something that changes me from within.
I know the Bible is the "word of God" as it sees right through me. I
can think, feel, act any way I want but as I get honest with the
Bible, it is just astonishing how it sees me for exactly who and what
I am: someone who is flawed with a sin nature, but loved and pursued
by God. Someone who has an inheritance in the family of God promised
through the redemption Jesus paid on the cross. The Bible doesn't
sugar-coat a thing. How can any body of literature do that?
God certainly can and does as all things are uncovered and laid bare
before his eyes! How astonishing is the thought that the Creator of
the cosmos has spoken to us and made that word available to us in the
Bible!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
God Draws Near To Us As We Fix Our Thoughts On Him - Ruminating in the Word of God
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, and
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 3:1,
"Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your
thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess."
This exhortation follows an observation made by the writer of Hebrews
"Because he [Jesus Christ] himself suffered when he was tempted, he is
able to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2:18. It addresses
the age-old challenge we face: as a Christian, how do I live my life
pleasing my Creator God? How do I handle the temptation to sin, the
temptation to pursue those things displeasing to my Savior from day to
day? How do I find the resolve and diligence to do those things I know
he expects of me?
There are many religions in the world today that are built around
"fixing" what we all know to be a reality… there is something wrong
with all of us, what Paul calls our "sin nature". As followers of
Jesus Christ we find the key to this to be found in him. We are told
in this verse to fix our thoughts in Jesus. It is a theme found
elsewhere in this letter and throughout the New Testament. After
observing that "rules" have no power to restrain sensual indulgence,
Colossians 2:23, Paul tells us to fix our hearts and minds on things
above where Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of God,
Colossians 3:1-2. This provides the ability to follow through then on
those things which please the Lord as found in the remainder of that
chapter.
The reality of this lies in a truth expressed by James in 4:8: if we
draw near to God, he will draw near to us! In Galatians 5:22 we find
that as God draws near us, his Holy Spirit produces changes in our
lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and so forth. Our drawing
near to God is life-changing.
This is why we encourage one another to spend time in Scripture and
identify themes of worship each day. In order to worship our God, we
must fix our minds and hearts on him which results in him drawing near
to us, changing us from within. As the writer of Hebrews tells us we
need to enter into "his rest" from our own works, both in embracing
Jesus Christ in faith bringing salvation and following salvation to
grow in spiritual maturity: we still rest from our works and draw near
him, allowing him to transform us into his image, Romans 8:29.
I may be weak and subject to strong temptation, but our God is
powerful and able to change me from within! There is something
mystical here, something that taps into the spirit world where our
Savior rules supreme. "To him who is able to keep you from falling and
to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with
great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and
authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and
forevermore! Amen." Jude 24-25.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 3:1,
"Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your
thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess."
This exhortation follows an observation made by the writer of Hebrews
"Because he [Jesus Christ] himself suffered when he was tempted, he is
able to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2:18. It addresses
the age-old challenge we face: as a Christian, how do I live my life
pleasing my Creator God? How do I handle the temptation to sin, the
temptation to pursue those things displeasing to my Savior from day to
day? How do I find the resolve and diligence to do those things I know
he expects of me?
There are many religions in the world today that are built around
"fixing" what we all know to be a reality… there is something wrong
with all of us, what Paul calls our "sin nature". As followers of
Jesus Christ we find the key to this to be found in him. We are told
in this verse to fix our thoughts in Jesus. It is a theme found
elsewhere in this letter and throughout the New Testament. After
observing that "rules" have no power to restrain sensual indulgence,
Colossians 2:23, Paul tells us to fix our hearts and minds on things
above where Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of God,
Colossians 3:1-2. This provides the ability to follow through then on
those things which please the Lord as found in the remainder of that
chapter.
The reality of this lies in a truth expressed by James in 4:8: if we
draw near to God, he will draw near to us! In Galatians 5:22 we find
that as God draws near us, his Holy Spirit produces changes in our
lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and so forth. Our drawing
near to God is life-changing.
This is why we encourage one another to spend time in Scripture and
identify themes of worship each day. In order to worship our God, we
must fix our minds and hearts on him which results in him drawing near
to us, changing us from within. As the writer of Hebrews tells us we
need to enter into "his rest" from our own works, both in embracing
Jesus Christ in faith bringing salvation and following salvation to
grow in spiritual maturity: we still rest from our works and draw near
him, allowing him to transform us into his image, Romans 8:29.
I may be weak and subject to strong temptation, but our God is
powerful and able to change me from within! There is something
mystical here, something that taps into the spirit world where our
Savior rules supreme. "To him who is able to keep you from falling and
to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with
great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and
authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and
forevermore! Amen." Jude 24-25.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
Monday, September 1, 2025
No Escape! - Ruminating in the Word of God
The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, and
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 2:1-3a,
"We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have
heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken
through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience
received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so
great a salvation?"
The writer of Hebrews uses the example of God's covenant with Israel
and Israel's violation of that covenant by turning their backs on the
law that governed it. That did not turn out well for Israel. He points
this out as an example of what will happen if we ignore what God has
ordained. There is no escape by ignoring the great salvation God has
provided for us.
What God has asked is for all mankind to place their faith and trust
in Jesus Christ. Having had his Son make atonement for the sins of all
mankind, the message (the gospel) must be responded to: put your trust
and faith in Jesus. If not, just as Israel did not escape the judgment
of God for turning their backs on him, so will all face his judgment
who reject his invitation to us.
There is no alternative. It is a simple binary choice: embrace Jesus
Christ in faith and receive eternal life or don't and face eternal
death. No other outcome exists for any human being on planet earth.
There is no escape for ignoring so great a salvation.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him today and what came to my heart and mind in Hebrews 2:1-3a,
"We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have
heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken
through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience
received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so
great a salvation?"
The writer of Hebrews uses the example of God's covenant with Israel
and Israel's violation of that covenant by turning their backs on the
law that governed it. That did not turn out well for Israel. He points
this out as an example of what will happen if we ignore what God has
ordained. There is no escape by ignoring the great salvation God has
provided for us.
What God has asked is for all mankind to place their faith and trust
in Jesus Christ. Having had his Son make atonement for the sins of all
mankind, the message (the gospel) must be responded to: put your trust
and faith in Jesus. If not, just as Israel did not escape the judgment
of God for turning their backs on him, so will all face his judgment
who reject his invitation to us.
There is no alternative. It is a simple binary choice: embrace Jesus
Christ in faith and receive eternal life or don't and face eternal
death. No other outcome exists for any human being on planet earth.
There is no escape for ignoring so great a salvation.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to
hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send
me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are
receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply
and let me know.
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