He's Able!!!

April 8, 2022 (Friday)

 

We are almost to the place on the calendar when we remember and celebrate the events of the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. Some may ask why God would inter this diseased, dying, and decaying world as one of us.

 

Let’s look at the explanation from Hebrews 2. The answer starts like this, “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he also shared the same things in the same way. He did this to destroy the one who holds the power over death—the devil—by dying.” [Hebrews 2:14 CEB) Because we are flesh and blood, Jesus shared our humanity in the same way. Jesus shared our humanity in every way, except succumbing to sin. The reasoning begins with destroying the devil’s power over death (which is the power of sin). This was done by dying, on the cross.

 

In destroying the devil and his power over death, “He set free those who were held in slavery their entire lives by their fear of death.” [Hebrews 2:15 CEB] This kind of slavery is a prison we construct with our own minds and spirits. We fear death. It’s a natural human response. Death changes everything for someone who loses a loved one. Uncertainty in our eternal destiny creates fear. The reason we fear is not knowing if our sins are forgiven. Today’s good news is that was the point of Jesus’ death and resurrection!

 

Continuing the explanation, we read, “Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every way. This was so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, in order to wipe away the sins of the people.” [Hebrews 2:17 CEB] Jesus destroyed the devil and his power over us. Jesus freed us from the slavery caused by our fear of death. Now we read that Jesus wiped away our sins!

 

Got it? Jesus destroyed the one who holds the power of death. Then Jesus destroyed the fear of death. Now we see Jesus removing our sin. In one act, Jesus destroyed the power, fear, and cause of everything that is wrong in our lives and this world.

 

Hebrews 2 is not done. Not only are we safe from the enemy of our soul, but we are also secure in facing death. We are not only forgiven of our sins, but we are also given new life. Right now, we have assistance with the things that tempt us and cause us pain. “He’s able to help those who are being tempted, since he himself experienced suffering when he was tempted.” [Hebrews 2:18 CEB]

 

Not only did Jesus go the extra mile for you, walking up the hill to the cross. Jesus is ready, willing, and able to carry you through the hardest times on His back! Join us next week as we celebrate.