Through the Bible - Malachi 1-2, Revelation 20
Good morning,
We recently looked back to Isaiah 9 where among other names, Jesus is referred to as "Everlasting Father", that He would establish His kingdom.
Over the weekend I read Hebrews 1 & 2. The book of Hebrews speaks to the supremacy of Christ. Today's verse speaks of "the captain of their salvation".
Heb 2:10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. NKJV
The NKJV commentary states that "the word used for "captain" means "leader" or "originator", the word describes a pioneer or pathfinder. Jesus endurance of sufferings on this earth makes Him our leader. ... He not only endured them, but triumphed over sin, death and Satan through them. His sinless life has blazed a path to God, a path we must follow."
For some reason, reading this made me think of the poem "Invictus", by William Earnest Hensley, and the famous lines "I am the captain of my soul".
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.
The poem points to the unknown, the "horror of the shade", but the writer thinks that he'll face it unafraid, with human pride, thinking that he is in charge of his destiny.
The Bible speaks of Jesus as being "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) as well as being the "author and finisher" of our faith.
Heb 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
If we are to truly endure the struggles and trials of our lives and look to the brighter eternity, we must look to Jesus, not ourselves as the "Captain" of our souls.
Timothy McVey, the man responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing, chose "Invictus" as his final statement before his execution.
Who is your Captain? If it is Christ, follow Him, and don't drift away (Heb. 2:1)
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Heb 2:1-13
Do Not Neglect Salvation
2 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?
The Son Made Lower than Angels(cf. Ps 8)
5 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. 6 But one testified in a certain place, saying:
"What is man that You are mindful of him,Or the son of man that You take care of him? 7 You have made him a little lower than the angels;You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet."
For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
Bringing Many Sons to Glory
10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying:
"I will declare Your name to My brethren;In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."
13 And again:
"I will put My trust in Him."
NKJV
No comments:
Post a Comment