Hebrews 2 - 5.7.26

‍SCRIPTURE - Hebrews 2:1-4

“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? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.  God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”

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OBSERVATION

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The Book of Hebrews begins with no mention of the author, only of God. The human author of Hebrews remains unknown, but the book’s inspiration by the Holy Spirit is evident.

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The Enduring Word website has some insight on this scripture: ‍ https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/hebrews-2/

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Vs 1 - The lesson of the first chapter is applied: listen and don’t drift away.‍ ‍

Vs 2 - 4 - The lesson emphasized: how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?

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“For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 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, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” (from Enduring Word website link above)

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To understand the message of Hebrews 2, consider these key points:

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• Emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the message of salvation.

• Highlights the humanity of Jesus, who shared in our experiences.

• Discusses the significance of Jesus' suffering and death for our salvation.

• Affirms that Jesus is the perfect leader and pioneer of faith.

• Explains how Jesus' victory over death frees us from the fear of it.

• Encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and hope.

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“The phrase, ‘so great salvation,’ is a striking reminder of what God has provided in Christ. The word ‘so’ is similar to the instance in the familiar passage, ‘God so loved the world’ (John 3:16), and expresses an unfathomable depth.” (Griffith Thomas)

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“Therefore, if we neglect something, we probably do not consider it great. Yet our salvation is great, because:‍ ‍ ‍

· We are saved by a great Savior.‍ ‍

· We are saved at a great cost.‍ ‍

· We are saved from a great penalty.‍ ‍ ‍

A reason many neglect their salvation is because they never see it as salvation. They see it merely as receiving something, not as being rescued from something.” (from the Enduring Work website link above)

AND JESUS LEFT US WITH HIS HOLY SPIRIT.

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APPLICATION

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SO? PAY ATTENTION! HEED! AND HAVE FAITH!

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These scriptures say it all.  If we pay careful attention; not just attention but careful attention, we will NOT drift away from the messages of Jesus, as spoken from Him and through angels.  His messages are binding and as hard as it is to say there is punishment if we don’t keep them.  The outcome of poor choices can affect our lives and the lives of others.  The laws of God are meant for our salvation…life with Him now and forever.  Jesus showed the miracles of salvation when he walked on this earth and left us with the Holy spirit to do everything written to stay in HIS will. OUR Faith in HIM is our main focus.  Both now and forever.  Jesus died for us, and he is OUR ALL IN ALL   ALWAYS in ALL WAYS!

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PRAYER

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Oh Lord, I wanted to see what you had for me in reading all three of the choices in reading your word on this date…and I was going to SOAP each one to see what stood out and this was the first one.  Oh My Lord Jesus, this says it all …WE/I see you and I have tears of unworthy gratitude for all you did for us. Yes, Lord, this is the foundation and every other scripture is built on this.  LORD, I want this to be the foundation of my life every day and the foundation of the lives of my family and my DSC family.  Oh Jesus, you are the focus, the center, the main aspect of our lives and I KNOW you abide in me and in them. and you suffered all you did for us so that we have the Holy Spirit with us each day.

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Thank you, Jesus You Promised the Holy Spirit that is with us – John 14:15-17 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”‍

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CALL each one of my family to you Jesus and open doors for me to show others HOW TO SEE YOU.  And strengthen each reader to be renewed in their faith.

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Oh, my Jesus, I love the words of this old hymnal that I remember as a child:

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“On solid rock I’ve found all other ground is sinking sand.  My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.  On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.”

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Psalm 18:2 - “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

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OK LORD, lets GO… AMEN

- C‍harleen Zakarian ‍

Genesis 12 - 5.6.26

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-3

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you;
I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Observation

God keeps his promises. 

In Genesis 12, God tells Abraham to leave his home and go to a new land, and God would bless him and make a great nation from his descendants. Abraham packs up all he owns and obeys. But later, his faith is challenged and he decides to take matters into his own hands. He is afraid that Pharoah will kill him in order to take Sarah as a wife, so he lies and says Sarah is his sister in order to save himself. At that point, he's not thinking about honoring God, or the consequences to Sarah or anyone else. He just wants to save himself. 

But in spite of Abraham, God keeps His promise.

Application

I read chapter 12 and thought, "Why wasn't Abraham punished for his lie?' He caused harm to Sarah and Pharoah, but by the end of the chapter he was sent on his way with his family and all his possessions. I don't know why he seemingly faced no consequences, but I do know how many times, due to the grace of God, I don't receive the punishment I deserve. I also know that God made a promise and God keeps his promises. God's promises are bigger than our sin!

Looking forward in Abraham's life, I also think God used this as an opportunity to grow Abraham's faith. You would have expected Pharoah to kill him when he found out what he had done, but God protected him. Many years later when Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son, the one that God had promised him, he was willing to trust that God was in control and obey even when it made no sense.

We are human and we are going to fail sometimes. How we react in those times of failure matters. Will we allow our failure to define us and give up? Or will we repent and learn and grow? Abraham grew in his faith, trusted in God, and became the father of a great nation.

Prayer

Lord, help me to remember that your promises are true and your plan is bigger. Help me to continue to grow in times of challenge. Remind me that your plan is not defined by my failure. Help me to run to you and put my trust in you always. 

- Debbie Dunn

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