Only in This Way
Text: Hebrews 2:5-15
Theme: There is only one plan and one way to make us holy members of God’s family.
Key verses: “What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position ‘a little lower than the angels’; and because he suffered death for us, he is now ‘crowned with glory and honor.’ Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. God…chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters” (v. 9-11). “Because God’s children are human beings–made of flesh and blood–the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying” (v. 14-15).
What God said to me: Dwayne, you are having a hard time focusing this morning. Turn off Facebook and close your email long enough to hear from me. I want to speak, but you must meditate on my Word. You must choose to focus intently and search diligently for wisdom as for hidden treasure. The writer of Hebrews was clearly doing some diligent searching when he wrote, “What we do see…” Dwayne, open your spiritual eyes and look to see what I have for you in my written Word today. The One I want you to see is my Son. What you should see is Jesus. Now notice how many times this translation uses the word, “only”: “it was only right,” “For only as a human,” “only by dying,” and “Only in this way.” What I want you to see about Jesus today is that he is the only way you or anyone else can obtain salvation and sanctification. He is the only plan I have to “bring many children into glory”; there is no other name given among people that they may be saved. I sent my precious Son to become human like you so he could offer his body as a blood sacrifice to atone for the sins of all mankind. Only in this way can you be set free from the fear of dying a second death, eternally separated from me. Only through this redemption plan can you be made holy and live and reign forever on the new earth. Only through Jesus can you be included in our family–as his brother and as my child. I don’t expect you to fully grasp this in your limited, finite mind. But I do expect you to try–just try to appreciate a bit more how much I love you and how much my Son suffered for you. To be clear, Jesus and the Father are one; thus, I love you with an all-encompassing love that includes the Holy Spirit who dwells in you. Dwayne, have you any idea what and who you have, and the cost required to show you endless mercy and grace? More important than your likes today on Facebook or your latest messages from friends and associates is my message from my written, infallible Word. Determine to seek first my Kingdom and righteousness today, and all the things you need will be granted you.
What I said to God: Wow, I needed this today, Lord. Thank You! I confess that I don’t meditate near enough on powerful truths like how much You suffered and bleed to give me salvation and to make me holy. This truth can set me free–free from fear and free from sin. I praise You for the beautiful weather around me and for the peace beyond understanding inside of me. Please protect my family today and continue to make them more like You. And help me look for an opportunity today to share Your Good News with someone who needs to hear it.