Oct 6 2020 - Hebrews 2:1-18 – We see Jesus

The Son of God became like us in order that he might save us. He took upon himself our humanity, suffered death in our place and by his resurrection broke its power.

O loving wisdom of our God!
When all was sin and shame,
a second Adam to the fight
and to the rescue came.

O wisest love! that flesh and blood,
which did in Adam fail,
should strive afresh against the foe,
should strive, and should prevail.

Jesus suffered and died for us. But he is also risen for us and is seated at God's right hand in the place of authority and power. God has declared Jesus to be Lord over all things by his resurrection from the dead.

But we continue to live in a world marked by all manner of evils; a world of suffering and injustice; a world in which death appears still to have the last word. It is not yet Eden restored; "at present we do not see everything subject to him" (Hebrews 2:8). This much is quite obvious, but the writer of this letter continues, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone" (2:9). In what sense do we "see Jesus ... crowned with glory and honour"? We see him with the eye of faith: faith that believes the testimony of the first witnesses that Jesus is risen from the dead; faith born of the Spirit whom the risen Jesus has breathed into our hearts testifying that Jesus Christ is Lord. In this sense we see that Jesus is Lord over all and know that the day will come when all things will be made subject to him. An age is coming when there will be no more injustice pain or death – just life, life in all its fullness.

And in the meantime, we live in this present age by faith in him and by his power. Jesus has set us free – free from the fear of death and judgment; free to serve him. He has identified himself with us – calling us his brothers and sisters – that we might live in union with him. He is our help (2:16) day by day and moment by moment, our merciful and faithful high priest who is able to help us when we are tempted. If he could be faithful to the Father’s call upon his life, even in the face of the cross and when assailed by all the powers of darkness, he can help/enable us also to be faithful in all the trials we meet. We are not called to live a life of obedience by our own strength but by his resurrection power. Jesus has been raised to the place of authority and power over the entire universe for our sake. He has done all this for us not for our salvation alone, but that by his help and power we might bring something of the age to come into this present age; that others too might "see Jesus" – that all might own him as Lord and be subject to him.

Lord Jesus, crowned with glory and honour, we long for that day when all things will be subject to you. Enable us to have you ever before our view this day and in all things to live in joyful subjection to you. Help us to walk closely with you and to face each challenge that this day may bring depending upon your power, confident of your ability and readiness to help. May others also see something of your glory through our words and conduct this day and be drawn to own you as Lord.

Peter Misselbrook