GOOD NEWS, DO NOT BE AFRAID
Wednesday January 4
HEBREWS 2: 10-18
10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.
11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
12 He says,“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.”
13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.”
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—
15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.
17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
People are afraid of many things all over the world, but the greatest fear of all is of the devil and death! In today's reading we see how Christ was made perfect through His suffering. We also see His great love at work: He sanctified us, brought us all who believe in Him together as brethren and identified with us by putting on flesh and blood with its frailties. He was not ashamed of us despite our fallen nature. He tasted death so that He could destroy the devil and the power of death over our lives. He thus set us free from the bondage of the fear of death. He is our merciful and faithful High Priest because He knows how it feels to be human.
Are you going through a time of trial and temptations now? Be encouraged greatly. Christ is right there with you. Do not be afraid. Even if you are passing through the valley of the shadow of death, He will never leave nor forsake you.
Prayer: Talk to the Lors now. In His Love and faithfulness He will help you.