Read: Hebrews 1:5-2:4
Have you noticed that when problems enter our lives, it seems like everybody has advice. They usually preface their comments by saying something like, “Well, be assured that I’m praying for you. But you might want to ___________!” If the problem is medical, they have a supplement you might want to try. If the problem is legal, they know a good lawyer who can help. If the problem is getting your children under control, they know a good book you will want to read. And if the problem is anxiety, sadness, or despair, they know just the Bible verse that will make you cheerful again.
I have no doubts that a lot of the advice is good and the “advice-givers” mean well. But in our most troublesome moments the advice comes from so many different places that it seems overwhelming. Life is so “noisy” at times, that instead of engaging life, we want to withdraw. And this is especially true when it comes to our walk with Jesus. We might even be inclined to say to ourselves, “I just want to be left alone. I don’t need people, and I don’t need Jesus.”
Before you make any decision in your own mind about dismissing the relevance of your faith for all of life, you will want to take some time to care for your soul. For starters you will want to find a Bible and read our text for the week: Hebrews 1:5-2:4. The writer is addressing people who are largely Jewish and who have embraced the reality that Jesus is truly the Son of God, the Promised Messiah. But in the midst of their young faith, family members and friends were appealing to them to return to the ritualism of the past. Others were threatening them, and accusing them of traitorous behavior. Some were afflicting whatever harm they could muster up to make life miserable. There were lots of people giving the readers advice, and the myriad voices resulted in confusion…and an overwhelming sense of despair.
The Spirit-inspired writer spoke into this situation and used a common literary device of the day. It was as if he was inviting his readers to serve in a kind of jury pool where he would lay out evidence-upon-evidence about who Jesus was. For instance in verses 5-9 he draws upon four different Old Testament passages to reveal the deity of Jesus. Then in verses 10-12 he cites three more references that identify Jesus as Creator and Owner of the universe. In vv. 13-14 the writer quotes from Psalm 110:1 to show that Jesus is the Messiah who has the right to reign over His Kingdom. And finally in Hebrews 2:1-4 the writer calls for a response. Or to put it another way, he is calling for a verdict based on the evidence presented. You will want to notice that the appeal is extended to modern readers as well. If you listen closely to the Holy Spirit, this is what you will hear: IN A WORLD OF MANY VOICES, BE SURE TO LISTEN TO JESUS!
Two questions come to my own mind as I ponder the above principle.
Sometimes the advice and the “noise” in our lives seem overwhelming. But you and I don’t have to be confused by all that we hear. We simply have to make it our goal to listen! Not to everyone, mind you, but we MUST listen to Jesus, our Savior and King.
Have you noticed that when problems enter our lives, it seems like everybody has advice. They usually preface their comments by saying something like, “Well, be assured that I’m praying for you. But you might want to ___________!” If the problem is medical, they have a supplement you might want to try. If the problem is legal, they know a good lawyer who can help. If the problem is getting your children under control, they know a good book you will want to read. And if the problem is anxiety, sadness, or despair, they know just the Bible verse that will make you cheerful again.
I have no doubts that a lot of the advice is good and the “advice-givers” mean well. But in our most troublesome moments the advice comes from so many different places that it seems overwhelming. Life is so “noisy” at times, that instead of engaging life, we want to withdraw. And this is especially true when it comes to our walk with Jesus. We might even be inclined to say to ourselves, “I just want to be left alone. I don’t need people, and I don’t need Jesus.”
Before you make any decision in your own mind about dismissing the relevance of your faith for all of life, you will want to take some time to care for your soul. For starters you will want to find a Bible and read our text for the week: Hebrews 1:5-2:4. The writer is addressing people who are largely Jewish and who have embraced the reality that Jesus is truly the Son of God, the Promised Messiah. But in the midst of their young faith, family members and friends were appealing to them to return to the ritualism of the past. Others were threatening them, and accusing them of traitorous behavior. Some were afflicting whatever harm they could muster up to make life miserable. There were lots of people giving the readers advice, and the myriad voices resulted in confusion…and an overwhelming sense of despair.
The Spirit-inspired writer spoke into this situation and used a common literary device of the day. It was as if he was inviting his readers to serve in a kind of jury pool where he would lay out evidence-upon-evidence about who Jesus was. For instance in verses 5-9 he draws upon four different Old Testament passages to reveal the deity of Jesus. Then in verses 10-12 he cites three more references that identify Jesus as Creator and Owner of the universe. In vv. 13-14 the writer quotes from Psalm 110:1 to show that Jesus is the Messiah who has the right to reign over His Kingdom. And finally in Hebrews 2:1-4 the writer calls for a response. Or to put it another way, he is calling for a verdict based on the evidence presented. You will want to notice that the appeal is extended to modern readers as well. If you listen closely to the Holy Spirit, this is what you will hear: IN A WORLD OF MANY VOICES, BE SURE TO LISTEN TO JESUS!
Two questions come to my own mind as I ponder the above principle.
- How do we listen to Jesus in today’s noisy world? I have no doubts that Jesus can speak to us in a variety of ways, but I am convinced that He speaks through the Scriptures. And if you want to get-up-close-and-personal with Jesus, read the Gospels as often as you can. When you finish reading Matthew, start reading Mark. And once you get through Mark, go to Luke, and follow Luke with a careful reading of John. I’ve told you in previous posts that Jesus is revealed in every book of the Bible. However, the Gospel accounts give us an inside look at the personality and character of Jesus. So read the Gospels regularly.
- What will come from your listening to Jesus in the Bible? Lots of things, but two stand out from our text. In Hebrews 2:1-2 it is implied that we “won’t drift.” Or to put it in positive terms, you will have a greater inclination to “persevere” in a noisy world. In addition, as you listen to Jesus, you will also hear about the provisions God has made for you—especially provisions that confirm the greatness and grandeur of the Savior. But you will also be reminded of “gifts” that will empower you to serve King Jesus and His people (2:4).
Sometimes the advice and the “noise” in our lives seem overwhelming. But you and I don’t have to be confused by all that we hear. We simply have to make it our goal to listen! Not to everyone, mind you, but we MUST listen to Jesus, our Savior and King.
