Truth Matters Today

Making Much of Christ (p4): How shall we escape?

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”  ESV Hebrews 1:1-2

Making much of Christ seemed to be the intent of the writer of Hebrews, especially in the early chapters.  In the first installment on the subject I mentioned that too often even our churches err in making much of men instead of making much of Christ.  By exalting somebody, putting them on a pedestal if you will, instead of Christ.  But the writer of Hebrews makes no such error.  Hebrews is focused clearly on God the Son.  And while it is right to esteem highly those who devote themselves to the ministry of God’s word, no man is worthy of esteem rightly due Jesus Christ.

In part two, I mentioned John Flavel, one of my favorite Puritans, who maintained that the greatest expression of the love of God ever, past, present or future, was the incarnation; Jesus Christ in bodily form here on this earth.  Isaiah had said his name would be called Immanuel, which means God with us, and that is literally what happened.  It is incredible that God ever chose to speak with us—even through the prophets.  But now He has spoken to us through His Son.  How incredible is that?!

In part 3 some comparison was made between Christ and angels.  Angels are soldiers for the living God; servants for the King.  Their mere presence strikes fear into the most calloused men.  And yet they are inferior to Christ in every way.  Angels have never been credited with creation.  Angels are not heir to all things.  Angels have not been placed in positions of sovereign authority.  Angels are not the exact imprint of the nature of God the Father, yet Christ occupies all these positions.  There is none other like Christ.

Finally then, I’d like to draw your attention to a dire warning found in Hebrews 2:1-3: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.  For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation..?”  How shall we escape...

Here’s the truth of the matter.  There is no escape for those who ignore salvation through Jesus Christ.  There is no way to sugar coat it.  To reject Jesus Christ in this lifetime ensures separation from God in the hereafter.  To reject so great a salvation, so great an act of love on God’s part, in this life ensures you’ll endure His wrath hereafter.

In His public ministry, Jesus put it this way:  “...the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”  (Mark 1:15)  The message and call hasn’t changed.

Why I still love my Kindle

I was sitting in a foreign airport a few days ago finishing up another great book on my Kindle when it occurred to me that it had hardly left my side for six days and, unlike myself, it was still full of energy.  Impulsively, I pulled my trusty pocket-sized moleskin out and jotted down a few reasons why I love my Kindle.

1.  It’s paid for.

2.  It still does what I bought it to do; enable me to read books.

3.  It is lightweight.

4.  The probability of theft is near zero; bibliophiles are a trustworthy lot.

5.  The probability of loss is near zero; bibliophiles are never without books.

6.  It works fine without wifi.

7.  It is not dependent on AT&T.

8.  It is easy to read in almost any environment; bed, beach, plane, etc.

9.  If I’m bored, the bookstore is at my fingertips.

10. Kindle has a stupendous battery life.

11. Kindle does not have any distracting apps.

12. You can buy one without breaking the bank or waiting in line.

13. It sleeps well.  i.e. I hardly notice it being in bed with me.

14. It has black & white print with few pics—just like my other books.

15. It fits my personality—fast & flashy—NOT!

16. A monthly retainer is not required for its service.

17. When my eyes tire, I make the print larger & it is still easy to read.

18. It has become a dear friend.

19. I like the look and feel of leather.  My Kindle has a leather cover.

20. It is easier to carry than my ESV Study Bible; but most anything is.

21. Children don’t want to play games on my Kindle.

22. Amazon is smart enough to heed Seth Godin’s advice.

23. It is just an electronic book reader.

24. Kindle is a simple, sleek companion for most any trip.

 

 

Making Much of Christ (part 3)

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”  ESV Hebrews 1:1-2

Angels.  Western culture I fear has a Hollywood perception of angels.  Simply say the word “angel” and folks immediately get a mental picture of some soft, winged being that is perhaps wrapped in a white linen robe with gold fringes and maybe sporting a halo.  The Hollywood angel is a very meek and approachable looking thing.  But is the Hollywood picture accurate?

What did the Shepherds encounter that made them tremble with fear?  Luke says that “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.” (Luke 2:9)  What was it about seeing an angel that caused Balaam’s donkey to lie down underneath him?  Why did Balaam drop to his knees when he saw the angel? (Numbers 22:21-31)  They saw a soldier of God.

The Hollywood image is wrong.  Angels are not some kind of touch-feely, cuddly creature sent for our pleasure.  Angels, in a very real yet somehow inferior way, project the glory, might and holiness of God.  They are servants of the Most High God and command reverence, awe, and fear simply because they represent Him—they are soldiers of God!

Yet the writer of Hebrews says that in every way the angels are beneath Christ.  Moreover, they are commanded to worship Christ.  Think about it these things from scripture:  God never called an angel his Son; only Jesus is worthy of the title.  God has never promised angels that they would inherit creation but he says it was through Jesus that the earth was created and all of creation is under his authority.  God has never hinted that an angel might sit on a throne but he says that Christ’s throne will endure forever.  God never promised the angels that their enemies would be made “a footstool for [their] feet” yet he promises the same to Jesus.  He never says that angels are the image of God, yet we are told that Christ “is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature...” (Hebrews 1:3)  The prophets called Christ “Immanuel” which means God with us; a title only Christ can claim.

Now, if angels strike fear into calloused shepherds and prophets while in every way inferior to Christ, how much more should we be awestruck with Christ?  If the mighty angels, soldiers of God, are commanded to worship Christ, what should our attitude be towards Christ?

The writer of Hebrews goes to great lengths to make much of Christ.  Take hold of his words and do the same.  Make much of Christ.

Making Much of Christ (part 2)

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” ^ESV Hebrews 1:1-2

Our text reminds us that in times past, before Christ, God spoke through the prophets, but something grander has occurred in “these last days.”  Now, he has spoken to us through His very Son; but how? How has God the Father spoken to us through His Son?  In person!

John Flavel says that Jesus Christ is the greatest manifestation of the love of God ever.  The more I think about it, the more I agree.  What could be more magnificent?  What could be more an expression of love than to leave heaven, a place of unimaginable beauty and glory, to become a man?  It is just absolutely fascinating that the Creator of heaven and earth would stoop to the level of created beings.  Yet he did and we seem to take it for granted.

In what many consider to represent the beginning of His public ministry, Christ himself declared that He was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah (Luke 4:21).  With that proclamation, he began to publicly teach, perform miracles and spend time with people.  Scripture records about forty parables from his teaching ministry alone.  And how many people did He heal?  I didn’t even try to count the miracles.  Remember Lazarus?  At Jesus’ command even dead people came to life and walked out of tombs!  And in all these things, God was speaking to us.

What about the Disciples?  Christ poured Himself into this handful of very ordinary men.  He spent time with them, patiently teaching them who He was.  He traveled with them.  He prayed with them. And after His resurrection, He commanded them to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28) and to teach the nations all that He had taught them about Himself.  In essence, was He not commanding them to go and make much of Him?  Yes, and the command is still valid for disciples today. 

What about today?  How does Christ speak to us today?  It’s one thing to think of Christ as Immanuel (which means God with us) but what about now?  Didn’t Jesus return to heaven?  Yes, perhaps he has left in bodily form, but, just as he promised, He sent the Holy Spirit, the Helper, and through the Holy Spirit He is still with us today and still speaking to us today.

When I read the first several chapters of Hebrews, I’m always impressed with the way the author makes much of Christ and equally convicted that I don’t make enough of Christ.  Yet, it is arguably the duty of each and every Christian to make much of Christ, everyday. 

As you live this day, this week, each and every day, make much of Christ.