Today’s reading: Gen 42:29–43:34, Heb 5:11–7:28, Eccles 10:10–20

Today’s theme: A better hope

One of the great themes of the book of Hebrews is that Jesus is better and what He offers is better. He is better than the angels and the old priesthood and He offers a better hope, and guarantees a better covenant, with better promises than its predecessor. With Jesus, everything is better – let’s rejoice in that truth today.

Hebrews 5:11–7:28

Constant practice

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 (ESV)

In the author’s warning against apostasy, we see a rebuke against unwarranted immaturity in understanding the truth of God’s word. We must apply ourselves to studying, thinking about and understanding God’s word for our own growth, and so that we can effectively share with others.

There is only one Gospel

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4–6 (ESV)

The warning against apostasy is a serious one, those who are around the things of God and know the truth of the Gospel but consciously reject the truth, leave themselves in a position that means they cannot be restored (or saved in the first place), because there is only one way and they have rejected that way…there is no Gospel version 2, there is only 1.

Believers vs Church Attendees

Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. Hebrews 6:9 (ESV)

This distinguishes the true believers (who have salvation) from the group of church goers and false converts, mentioned above.

Eternal security

so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. Hebrews 6:18 (ESV)

We have assurance and security in our salvation because of who God is.

A better hope

(for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. Hebrews 7:19 (ESV)

We have a far better and sure hope in Jesus as our eternal High Priest, unlike the temporary priesthood of men.

A guarantee from Jesus

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:22 (ESV)
Our eternal security is very secure because the one giving the guarantee is Jesus himself. He is the guarantor of a better covenant than the old covenant.

Christ’s unique priesthood

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Hebrews 7:26 (ESV)

Five distinctive attributes of Christ’s priesthood: He is; 1). holy, 2). innocent, 3).unstained, 4). separated from sinners, and 5). exalted above the heavens.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Desiring God on Hebrews 6

Today’s reading: Gen 41:38–42:28, Heb 3:1–5:10, Eccles 10:1–9

Today’s theme: Jesus our High Priest

Today we learn that Jesus is better than the Priests and High Priests of man. Jesus is our High Priest; He makes intercession for us and because He became a man, He can sympathise with us, yet because He is God, He ever lives to intercede for us.

One of the greatest things we learn about is the exchange of obedience. Jesus’ obedient life has become the source of eternal life to all who will obey the word of Jesus, found in the gospel. The perfect life of Jesus becomes ours when we are born again.

Hebrews 3:1–5:10

Persevere together

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. Hebrews 3:13–14 (ESV)

Our perseverance as disciples of Jesus Christ is not a solitary experience, we are called to encourage one another so that we are not deceived and hardened by sin. We need each other.

Mix the word with active faith

For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. Hebrews 4:2 (ESV)

We must always read and listen to God’s word with an attitude that says “yes, I really believe this and will do something about it”. We must have faith.

Our goal

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11 (ESV)

We have a goal, something to strive and press toward, something to work for – this is to enter into God’s rest and to hear Him say well done.

God’s active and powerful word

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

God’s word is alive and active, His word is not impotent but is powerful. We can trust and have confidence in God’s word to transform us, as much as we can in God himself, because He is true, He backs up and fulfils His word.

Jesus, our High Priest

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

Because we have a High Priest and He is one who understands and can sympathise with us, we can boldly come before the throne of grace.

Saved by the obedient life of Jesus

And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, Hebrews 5:9 (ESV)

Because of Jesus’ obedient life, He became the source of salvation for all who would obey the gospel. We are saved through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

He Is the Source of Eternal Salvation for All Who Obey Him

Desiring God on Hebrews 3 and Hebrews 4

Today’s reading: Gen 40:1–41:37, Heb 1:1–2:18, Eccles 9:11–18

Today’s theme: Jesus, greater than Angels

Some cults, like the Watchtower Society (Jehovah Witness), claim that Jesus is merely a great angel, this is heresy because Hebrews chapter one, in line with the rest of God’s word, makes clear that Jesus is above all angels, greater than them and created them. He is very God of very God(1), the Son of God, the second member of the Trinity. The ministry of angels are important, they follow the commands of Jesus who is the Lord of Heaven’s armies.

Genesis 40:1–41:37

Interpretation comes from God

They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.” Genesis 40:8 (ESV)

There is no book or rule regarding the interpretation of dreams. Joseph knew interpretation comes from God alone.

Sovereign over nature

And the doubling of Pharaoh’s dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about. Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:32–33 (ESV)

God is Sovereign over the elements and can use them to steer nations and people to His purpose.

Hebrews 1:1–2:18

Jesus, greater than Angels

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14 (ESV)

This chapter makes clear that Jesus is not an angel and is greater than the angels. It also tells us what angels really are.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

CARM on Jehovah Witnesses

Jesus Christ: Infinitely Superior to Angels

(1) Where I mention very God of very God, I am quoting a famous line from the Nicene Creed which you can read in it’s entity below:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven and was Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life; who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spake by the prophets.

And I believe one holy catholic (or universal) and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Hyde, D. R. (2010). Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims (pp. 5–6)

Today’s reading: Gen 38:1–39:23, Matt 27:32–28:20, Eccles 9:7–10

Today’s theme: Jesus is risen

There are a lot of great lessons in today’s reading. One of the most important is the FACT that Jesus is risen from the dead. He literally died for us and then actually had a bodily resurrection. We fulfil the great commission to make disciples of a living, powerful and victorious risen King Jesus.

Genesis 38:1–39:23

Breakthrough

But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez. Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah. Genesis 38:29–30 (ESV)

His name literally means breakthrough. From Him would come David and later Jesus. This shows that God can take the most broken situations and use them for his glory and purpose.

Sin offends God

He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9 (ESV)

Joseph had the correct understanding of the nature of sin, he knew that although Potiphar had been good to him it was only because of God. The sin would be towards God and offend God more than it was towards man. When we sin, people may be hurt as a result but that is secondary to the offence we cause towards God.

Loyal love

But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Genesis 39:21 (ESV)

God’s love for Joseph is constant, steadfast and loyal. This should comfort us and show us how to love.

Matthew 27:32–28:20

Jesus Son of God

and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Matthew 27:40 (ESV)

Further evidence that Jesus clearly claimed to be the Son of God! If He did not claim this then what were his accusers talking about?

Jesus actually died

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. Matthew 27:50 (ESV)

Jesus died on the cross for our sin (He did not faint like some say). Thank you Jesus.

Jesus rose on Sunday

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Matthew 28:1 (ESV)

This is why we see the earliest Christians meeting on a Sunday instead of a Saturday. It is because Jesus rose on the first day of the week.

Jesus is risen

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6 (ESV)

Hallelujah!!, Jesus is risen from the dead. Fact!!

Jesus receives worship

And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Matthew 28:9 (ESV)

Jesus receives their worship because He is not an Angel or a created being, He is the Son of God

Make disciples

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

The great commission given to us by Jesus was not to make converts but to take the time and effort to make disciples. A disciple needs to be taught the word of God and apply that word to their lives in obedience.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Desiring God on the Resurrection of Christ

TableTalk on the Resurrection of Christ

Today’s reading: Gen 37:1–36, Matt 26:57–27:31, Eccles 9:1–6

Today’s theme: The suffering of Christ

Take time today to stop and consider the horrific suffering Jesus endured for us. Jesus affirms Himself as Messiah, the Son of Man, the Son of God (so equal with God) and the King. Despite all of this He suffered terribly for our salvation. Take time to think about this today and thank God for His great love for us.

Genesis 37:1–36

A captivating true story

Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard. Genesis 37:36 (ESV)

How can anyone say the Bible is boring? The true stories it records are relayed in such a captivating way and trump the false stories from Hollywood as the Bible’s accounts hold important lessons of eternal significance.

If you read through the chapter quickly… read it again… this time enjoy the story… see the providence and plan of God working itself out.

Matthew 26:57–27:31

The Son of Man

Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64 (ESV)

This is a bold declaration by Jesus that He is the Son of God. The start of the answer is only cautious because the contemporary understanding of the Messiah was flawed. The second part of the answer is a forceful and affirmative declaration, warning and identification with the prophesies of Daniel and the Psalms. These show that Jesus is the “Son of Man” (The Messiah) who the council would later know as sovereign king and judge.

Jesus, Son of God

Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. Matthew 26:65 (ESV)

Further confirmation that to the Sanhedrin, Jesus had just boldly declared Himself to be the Son of God. This would make Him equal to God, which in their eyes was blasphemy

Jesus suffered for us

Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?” Matthew 26:67–68 (ESV)

Jesus endured this suffering and shame because of His love, primarily for the Father but also His love for us. Stop and think about this and be thankful.

The lies and bondage of legalism

But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” Matthew 27:6 (ESV)

The sin of legalism had them so bound that while they were scheming to kill Jesus and had just held an illegal trial, they were still concerned with this rule.

Jesus, The King

Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Matthew 27:11–12 (ESV)

Jesus’ answer to Pilate again confirms that He is indeed the prophesied king of the Jews but not in the way that Pilate would imagine.

Don’t be a coward

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” Matthew 27:24 (ESV)

Pilate displayed complete cowardice in trying to please the people. We should not be anything like that.

Consider the scourging of Jesus

Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.Matthew 27:26 (ESV)

The scourging of Jesus was one of the cruellest punishments He endured. The following is a note on it from the ESV Study Bible. “Roman flogging was a horrifically cruel punishment. Those condemned to it were tied to a post and beaten with a leather whip that was interwoven with pieces of bone and metal, which tore through skin and tissue, often exposing bones and intestines. In many cases, the flogging itself was fatal. The Romans scourged Jesus nearly to death so that he would not remain alive on the cross after sundown.” Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 1885). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Ecclesiastes 9:1–6

An unavoidable appointment

It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. Ecclesiastes 9:2 (ESV)

One appointment we all have to keep… death! Thank God for Jesus’ resurrection which gives us eternal life.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Medical Aspects of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ