Lenten Reflections: Hold Fast

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:19-25

Jesus, through the New Covenant, secured by His blood, inaugurated for us a new and living way - so now we have confidence to enter the holy place, we can draw near in full assurance of faith. And what else can we do? We can hold fast. We must hold fast the confession of our hope! We can do this because He who promised is faithful - He will keep His word. "Hold fast" is an important admonishment in Hebrews. The writer encourages us several times throughout the book to hold fast:

Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. Hebrews 3:5-6

For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end. Hebrews 3:14

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14

Hold fast your confidence, hold fast your assurance, hold fast your confession.

Hold fast. Keep secure - don't lose it. Cling to the One who is faithful, in Whom we place our hope because He has promised.

Lenten Reflections: Jesus is Better

The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever. Hebrews 7:23-28

The writer of this book to the Hebrews was trying to make one main point in his letter: Jesus is better. Jesus, as our High Priest, is better than the priests appointed by man. Jesus, the Lamb of God, offered up Himself for the sins of the people. Jesus, the embodiment of the New Covenant, is better than the Old Covenant that came through Abraham. Jesus, personification of grace, is better than the Law. The Hebrews needed to be reminded so that they would not turn back to the old ways, forgetting the promise of the gospel and the truth that Jesus is better!

I need to be reminded, too.

I need to be reminded that Jesus is better than any material thing and that Jesus is better than having my needs met through my fleshly desires. I need to remember to choose Jesus when faced with a decision. Jesus is better than worldly success. Jesus is better than financial security. Jesus is better than accolades from colleagues. Jesus is better than acceptance from acquaintances. When I have to choose a way to think, behave, relate to others, I need to choose Jesus' way, because His is better.

Lord, keep this phrase at the forefront of my mind today and every day to come. Let my actions reveal that I believe Jesus is better!

Lenten Reflections: The Supremacy of Christ

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:1-4

As I read in Hebrews this morning, I was again struck by the supremacy of Christ. I was overwhelmed when I considered that Jesus was appointed heir of all things, and that through Him the world was made. I was awestruck to remember that He upholds everything by the word of His power. And then I read more. This same Jesus is my high priest! And He can sympathize with me and with my weaknesses. When I am feeling insufficient, I only have to rely on Him who not only sympathizes with my weaknesses, but fills them up with His power. And it's all for the asking! The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we can go CONFIDENTLY to the throne of grace to find mercy in our time of need. That is good news, friends! Jesus, through whom the world was created, in whom all fulness of Deity dwells in human form, the One who holds all things together, invites us to approach him with confidence to find grace when we need it! Rejoice in that gift today. And rejoice in our Savior!

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

To Crucify Each Selfish Need

As Lent approaches this year, I am finding myself restless. I am feeling overwhelmed by all the responsibilities of this life (and most of them are self-imposed, mind you). I am needing a season of rest, of slowing, of listening for God's voice, seeking His direction, and being quiet at the feet of Jesus. I need to crucify my selfish needs and rely more on His leading, His grace, His power and His strength. I need to make time in His Word a priority, and be quiet before Him, waiting in anticipation for Him to speak.

Won't you join me? We may not have the same motivation, but Lent is a wonderful time to draw near to God and to wait for how He will move in you. I 'll use the next forty days to read, pray and reflect, and will share what He puts on my heart, here. It may not be daily, but I pray it will be an encouragement to you as you also crucify each selfish need in order to prioritize your relationship with Christ.

To Crucify Each Selfish Need
Words by Nannie Barnum

To crucify each selfish need,
And on the heavenly manna feed,
Is my desire;
A season spent at Jesus’ feet,
For such a life to be more meet
I do aspire.

Each idol cast from out my mind,
A priceless jewel to enshrine
Within my heart;
Nor let its radiance be confined
But shine to lighten human kind
From out the dark.

Not forty days, but year by year,
Until my Savior doth appear
In garments white.
To waken that glad Easter morn,
And to the courts of Heaven be borne
New and contrite.

Break, Newborn Year

As we reflect on the year that has just passed and the year that is to come, this beautiful hymn reminds of us what is constant: the Father loves, the Savior stays, the Spirit does not go away.

Even time, which goes by faster with each passing year, cannot make the Father cease to love.

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. I John 3:1

The year that just passed went quickly, with winged feet as this hymn writer says. But even though it passed quickly, the Savior still stays. Indeed, He is our hope and stay!

But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:1-3

We now face a new year - but we can face it with confidence and hope because the Holy Spirit stays with us - He does not go away.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26

This past year probably brought both joy and sadness, in some degree. We can rejoice that even though our hearts may run over with tears, our Lord's smile still beams on us. And we can be encouraged that we have a Savior who has experienced the things that we face.

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

And, even though are sin is swelling with each new year, God's pardoning grace still streams.

For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. John 1:16

For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:19-21

So what can we offer to the Lord in this new year? I want Him to have from me, as this hymn says, more service, more glory, more delight. I want my hours to be less sad with sin and my days with Him more bright.

I want to saturate my life with the truth of His Word; that it would dwell in my heart and that my every decision would be in alignment with His will.

I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8

I want to filled with the fruit of righteousness, so that He receives the praise and glory!

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

I want to serve others in love.

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13

I want to have the right attitude about serving - I want to follow Jesus' example as a servant.

It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28

I want to serve in the strength that God supplies so that He is glorified.

Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. I Peter 4:11

I want to work for the Lord, remembering that I am serving Him in whatever I do.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24

I want to meditate more on His word, so that I may not sin against Him.

Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

I want Him to shine in me so that others will see His glory.

For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. II Corinthians 4:6

I want to have the attitude of Paul, that to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21) If the Lord blesses me with more time on earth, I want to be thankful for the earthly cheer. And if He chooses to take me home, I rejoice at being in His presence.

For if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8

So, let's look forward to this new year, and greet it with anticipation! For although we do not know what may be coming for us in the new year, we know Who is on the throne, and that He is in control.

So with happy melody, Thine opening grace we greet!

Break, Newborn Year
Words by Thomas Gill

Break, newborn year, on glad eyes break,
Melodious voices move;
On, rolling time; thou canst not make
The Father cease to love.

The parted year had wingèd feet;
The Savior still doth stay;
The new year comes; but Spirit sweet,
Thou goest not away.

Our hearts in tears may oft run o’er;
But Lord, Thy smile still beams;
Our sins are swelling evermore,
But pardoning grace still streams.

Lord, from this year more service win,
More glory, more delight:
O make its hours less sad with sin,
Its days with Thee more bright.

Then we may bless its precious things
If earthly cheer should come,
Or gladsome mount on angel wings
If Thou wouldst take us home.

O golden then the hours must be;
The year must needs be sweet;
Yes, Lord, with happy melody
Thine opening grace we greet.

What Child is This?

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

As I contemplate Christmas this week, and spurred on by some recent sermons at church, I've been thinking about the incarnation and about the child, born a King to die.

It really is a glorious truth that is hard to fully wrap my mind around - that the King of the Universe would leave His majestic throne to come to earth and live as a man, and then humbly obey His Father even to the point of death on a cross in order to take the sins of the world upon His body.

This, this is Christ the King! Jesus is God - and while He was here on earth, He was fully man as well. He is equal to God - the exact representation of Him, as the writer of Hebrews tells us.

And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:3

No wonder the shepherds guard and angels sing! This is Christ the King!

May favorite verse of this carol is the second one which reminds us of this great truth - Jesus, the Word made flesh, bore the cross for me and you.

Although Jesus is God, the Scriptures tell us that He did not use His position for selfish advantage. Instead, as the passage from Philippians (above) tells us, He emptied Himself. This doesn't mean that He emptied Himself of His deity - quite the contrary! He didn't subtract His deity but He ADDED humanity. And he never stopped giving of Himself even to the point of emptying Himself.

And He did it for you and me, so that through His emptiness - through His poverty - we would become rich!

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. II Corinthians 8:9

He did this through the incarnation - by becoming a man He then gave His life so that we would have life.

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

Nails and spear shall pierce Him through. Jesus was a man - his flesh could be speared - and when it was, blood and water flowed out to prove that He was dead.

But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. John 19:34

He bore the cross for me and you.

And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. I Peter 2:24

By His wounds, you are healed! Through Jesus' obedience on the cross, God canceled the decree of debt against us.

When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14

The King of Kings salvation brings!

For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. I Thessalonians 5:9-10

This King of Kings, born as a baby, entered the world through a human mother and was laid to rest in a manger. He humbled Himself from the very beginning! But His serving and giving continued through His whole life. That's why Paul admonishes us to "have the same attitude."

As you enjoy Christmas this week, think about the King of Kings, born a baby, who humbled Himself for you and for me. And then meditate on what it means for you to "have the same attitude" and let the Holy Spirit work in you that you may become more and more like Jesus.

What Child is This?
Words by William Dix

What child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary.

The Lord is Rich and Merciful

In my opinion, these are two of the most powerful words in the Bible: But God.

They are used most frequently by Paul and it seems as if he wants to remind us that we're not in control here. But God.

In one instance, in the book of Acts, Luke starts by quoting Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Peter reminds the Jews that they nailed Jesus to the cross, but He didn't stay dead forever. But God.

This Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. Acts 2:23-24

But God raised Him up again! In Paul's exhortation in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, he delivers the same message Peter did earlier.

When they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tombtombtomb. But God raised Him from the dead; and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. Acts 13:29-31

But God. Not only did God raise Jesus from the dead, but in His predestined plan He arranged for Jesus to appear to many so that they could be witnesses of His Lordship.

There's good news in these two little words: But God.

For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8

But God demonstrates His love for us. While others would hardly die for a righteous man, God sends His son to die while we were YET sinners. He didn't wait for us to get better, to become perfect, to quit sinning. But God!

And again! When we were dead, He made us alive together with Christ.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:3-7

But God, whose very character is RICH in mercy, and because He loves us, even while we were yet sinners, did all of this:
1) made us alive with Christ
2) saved us by grace
3) raised us up with Christ
4) seated us with Christ in the heavenly places

and why? So that in the future He might show us the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us! This list is absolutely overwhelming. But God.

This "But God" phenomenon isn't limited to the most amazing gift that He's given us: Jesus Christ. It works itself out in daily life, in big and small ways. I can think of so many instances in my own life that I thought things were going one way and then, "But God." His ways are higher than my ways, and He intervenes at just the right time. He shows me where my plans are not according to His plan, and He sets me on a straight path.

I am so thankful for these "But God" moments. I am so thankful for a heavenly Father who knows me, loves me, and works things together for my good and His glory.

The Lord is Rich and Merciful
Words by Thomas Lynch

The Lord is rich and merciful,
The Lord is very kind;
O come to Him, come now to Him,
With a believing mind!
His comforts, they shall strengthen thee,
Like flowing waters cool;
And He shall for thy spirit be
A fountain ever full.

The Lord is glorious and strong
Our God is very high;
O trust in Him, trust now in Him,
And have security;
He shall be to thee like the sea,
And thou shalt surely feel
His wind, that bloweth healthily
Thy sicknesses to heal.

The Lord is wonderful and wise,
As all the ages tell;
O learn of Him, learn now of Him,
Then with thee it is well;
And with His light thou shalt be blest,
Therein to work and live;
And He shall be to thee a rest
When evening hours arrive.