Hebrews 12: 12-29 (DB of 1/6/2017)

TAKE CARE

Key Verse 12:29
The word warns us about the grave danger to be avoided and compares between the privileges of the Old and the New Covenant. It also tells us that no one can escape God.
1. The serious danger to be avoided (12-17)
We must overcome discouragement and go forward with courage, and by helping one another, lest those who are weak should depart from faith. It is also necessary to be on the guards that one of them turn away from the way of salvation by the grace of God, but also that no one is a pernicious influence contaminating the whole community. This sort of abandonment amounts to acting like Esau and renouncing the inheritance in favor of some derisory material gain (16). Without being able to recover, he is definitively condemned (17).
2. The privileges of the New as compared with those of the Old Covenant (18-29)
In the past, the Israelites could not approach the mountain of God, lest they should be consumed by fire. Now the Hebrews can approach the mountain of Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and Jesus. The lesson of history tells us that the Israelites, rebellious to the voice of Moses, have not escaped judgment. A fortiori, those who rebel against the voice of God will not escape it. The voice of Jesus makes the earth tremble. And those things who are trembling on the earth disappear, bringing out those who are unshakeable. We are heirs of theses by the grace of God, hence our gratitude to God. God is like devouring fire and this God spared us by Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, help me not to be like Esau, and appreciate your blessing properly. Make me to remain steadfast while your dreadful coming and enter your eternal kingdom.
One word: Our God, as a devouring fire

Hebrews 12: 4-11 (DB of 31/5/2017)

THE FATHER CORRECTS US WITH HIS GOODNESS

Key Verse 12: 4
The author of the Hebrews emphasizes that we must be raisonable, when we pass a period of difficulty.

1. Be subject to the hand of God (4-9)
We must know how great is the suffering of Jesus and his untiring struggle. We did'nt yet cost the lives of everyone (4). Moreover, we must know that the Scriptures tell us that God uses the tests to educate and discipline us. The existence of these trials is the very proof of the love of our God, the Father. If one is spared such trials, there weakens the sense of belonging to the family of God (8), which will be a painful thing for the Christian. Therefore, we must recognize the invisible hand of God that leads us and subject us to the heavenly Father's good pleasure, as the child of the flesh does for his father.

2. The purpose for which He corrects us (10-14)
Moreover, it is important that we recognize the purpose for which our Father is correcting us. He does not do it to make us see hard. He wants our inner person to grow to the stature of Christ and to taste the holiness of God. It makes us realize that this is the benefit that we undoubtedly withdraw at the end of our race. All correction makes us sad and causes us pain at first glance. But in the end, we have the peaceful fruit of justice. This benefit belongs to those who accept and cooperate with Father, so that his discipline may work in them.

Prayer: Lord, help me to receive your corrective hand, no matter how heavy, to be properly shaped and become beneficiary of your holiness.

One word: Our God, our dear father.

Hebrews 12: 1-3 (DB of 30/5/2017)

EYES FIXED ON JESUS

Key Verse 12: 2
The author of the Hebrews, after having exhorted the faith of the Hebrews by the example of the patriarchs and heroes, mentions perseverance here.

1. Let's run with perseverance (1)
Acquiring a solid faith can be a wish of all believers. But these fail to have a solid faith, wavering by the winds and tide. What is the problem ? Verse 1 tells us two important factors to have faith or reach it. First, the burden and the sin must be rejected. In the way of life, we bear the burdens of life. Concerns and anxiety surround us and assail us. Their approach is so easy and each time we fall and let ourelves be accused. What to do ? God doesn't give us the temptation that was not human (1Co 10:13). We must throw them away from us. Then we have to persevere. One or two successes do not reassure us of victory, as our flesh is vulnerable. But if we persevere, we have the possibility of final victory.

2. The eyes fixed on Jesus (2-3)
However, we, who are weak, need a benchmark or example to follow in the path of life. Every man, however excellent in his faith, has the limit. But we have the perfect example: Jesus. Having no sin in him, he bore the cross for the sinner. He endured all oppositions for us. By fixing our eyes on Him, we can overcome our discouragement from our sins and triumph over them. Perseverance is the corollary of faith.

Prayer: Lord, help me to reject the burden and sin and persevere on the way of the cross of Jesus, until the final victory come beyond my sins.

One word: Perseverance, the corollary of faith.

Hebrews 11 :29-40 (DB of 29/5/2017)

THE VICTORIOUS FAITH OF THE HEROES OF GOD

Verse Key 11:29
The author speaks of the victorious faith in this part by the examples of men and women of faith. They are heros.

1. The faith of the Israelites, Joshua and Rahab (29-32)
The Israelites cross the Red Sea like a dry land, when the Egyptians pursue them. Crossing the Red Sea as a dry land requires great faith. They are afraid of threading the way in the middle of the aquatic walls. But they accomplish it only by relying on their God who is Creator. The attempt to do the same by the Egyptians proves vain; All they are swallowed up. At the entrance to Canaan, the Israelite army attacked Jericho, the first indomitable rampart of Canaan by faith alone. When they shout, the rampart falls. Rahab has faith in the God of Israel who is the sovereign of the universe and peacefully welcomes spies, bringing her and her family to salvation.

2. The faith of the judges and the rest (33-40)
What more do I say? says the author. There are innumerable examples of faith in the history of Israel. In front of the trials, all overcome them and win the victory over them. The judges defeat the kingdoms, and David closes the mouths of the lions. They are valiant and make the enemy flee. Yet victory is not God's only solution. Some women see the dead resurrected, but some prefer death, to have the better resurrection. They bear all kinds of tribulations and sufferings, braving the death. The author says that the world is not worthy of them and they all have received good testimony through their faith, even though they have not received what they desire on earth.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching me faith through the examples of the faith of the ancestors of faith. Help me to put faith in you and glorify your name by faith. Give me victory by faith.

One Word: The Victory of Faith

Hebrews 11 :23-28 (DB of 28/5/2017)

THE FAITH OF MOISE

Key Verse 11:25
Moses is a liberator of the people of Israel, after 430 years of slavery since Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt. He is called the humblest man on earth, but he is above all a man of faith. What was his faith?

1. The faith of Moses at his birth (23)
The author says as if it is the faith of Moses that he is hidden during the baby. But it is the faith of the parents. The faith of the parents succeeds in the faith of the children. His parents transgress the king's decree to hide their child. It is not selfishness, but the desire to save their oppressed people. This faith succeeds to Moses. Having become great, Moses resisted the easy life of the Prince of Egypt, that is, he identifies himself with Hebrew. Even in knowing that this will cause him great harm, he chooses this dangerous identity.

2. The faith of Moses in his youth (24-25)
The following verses indicate the choice of the value system in Moses when he is young. The words, "loving better" "esteemed" refer precisely to this system of value. Why does he choose this system despite the great disadvantage of life? It is because of the resurrection faith. Moses has in his heart an incomparable value compared with any splendid thing of the world, it is the world of beyond and the reward in heaven. Therefore, v. 26 says that he was looking further towards the reward. All things are, however splende they are, ephemeral and insignificant. Only the heavenly heritage remains for man. He sees the invisible through the visible. This strengthens Moses to gain victory beyond human limits.

Prayer: Lord, help me to choose true value in life. I confess that the suffering of Jesus alone remains. Help me to participate in the residual suffering of Jesus, like Moses.

One word: The life of Moses itself is an act of faith

Hebrews 11 :7-22 (DB of 26/5/2017)

THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM

Key Verse 11: 8
From Noah to Jacob, the author speaks of their life of faith. They are all the patriarchs among whom the faith of Abraham is a summit of faith.

1. Noah, Abraham and Sara (7-19)
Noah built the ark for over 100 years. He performs all the works asked of God without omitting anything. By faith he became someone who knows and obtains divine justice. Abraham accepted the call of God when he was in Ur of the Chaldeans. God wants him to leave everything, his home, his country, and his kinship to go to the other country. Abraham obeyed and left. Arriving at Canaan, he continued his pilgrimage to the land. He had the top and bottom in his life, but basically he had faith to pursue his way according to the call of God. His paroxysm of faith is the sacrifice of Isaac (17) which strengthened his faith on calling and made him obtain the faith of resurrection. His wife Sara also had faith in God to follow her husband in a foreign country (11). In her sterility, she had the faith to give birth to a child. They have received the reward from God because of their faith.

2. Isaac and Jacob (20-22)
The Bible says they are the heirs of the same promise (9). Which ? It is the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God. They moved here and there according to the direction of God while remaining in a tent. Raising the camp every time is a tiring job. But they rejoiced because they knew like their father Abraham that life on earth is a pilgrimage. By faith they all died but gained the heavenly reward in the house whose architect is God which must not be bend or destroy himself.

Prayer: Lord, as patriarchs, make me build the boat of faith and tent of faith day by day, until we possess the house of God in heaven.

One Word: Abraham's Faith at the summit

Hebrews 11 :4-6 (DB de 25/5/2017)

THE NECESSITY OF FAITH

Key Verse 11: 6
After the definition, the author speaks of the necessity of faith. Faith is an indispensable factor in human life.

1. Abel and Enoch (4,5)
These two patriarchs are those who is related to the joy of God. God was pleased with these two men who defy life by faith. Abel is the younger brother of Cain. He brought his offering of the lamb to offer it to God. God has accepted him and his offering. But he did not accept Cain and his offering from his harvest. We do not know exactly why. But only God is the sovereign of our actions, without allowing us to judge our own righteousness. But according to the context, it is evident that the offering of Abel was brought by faith. It may be faith, as certain theologians say, in the blood of Jesus because it brings the firstborn of his cattle. Genesis does not speak much of Enoch, but Jude speaks of him as a fierce fighter against the impiety of his contemporaries. His struggle by faith pleased God, who carried him away without letting him go through death.

2. Faith alone (6)
The Bible is categorical. Faith alone is able to please God. The men try to justify themselves by their own actions propers to his eyes. But these are just like old worn clothes. We can not get appreciation by our own actions. Only faith is valid before God to appreciate us. If God likes us, we are happy. We must believe that God is not dead, he is alive, he intercedes for his children. He is the one who rewards those who seek Him. With this faith, we must come to pray to Him every day and Sabbath.

Prayer: Lord, as disciples of Jesus, increase my faith in this unbelieving world. Let me show your existence in the world by my faith.

One word: Faith alone.

Hebrews 11 :1-3 (DB de 24/5/2017)

THE DEFINITION OF THE FAITH

Key Verse 11: 1
This famous chapter of faith begins with the definition of faith. What is faith?

1. Faith is the assurance and demonstration (1)
Faith is the assurance of the things hoped for and the demonstration of those things that are not seen. Many have vague hope, but faith is the concretization of this hope. It is fully assured (2Ch 20:20; Mk 11:22). Intellectuals influenced by Cartesian thought want to take evidence before believing. But faith is to believe without seeing (Jn 20:29). The first step in Christian life is the exercise of this faith in practical life. The faithful life of a Christian is both the object of appreciation of God (2) and the proof of demonstration to the unbelieving world.

2. The faith of creation (3)
The foundation of faith is the faith of creation. In the beginning God created heaven and earth (Gn 1: 1) and everything was done by God and nothing done was done without him (Jn 1: 3). We do not believe in a coin that does not exist in the pocket. How would we believe in the world created by God? Only faith requires. If faith visits us, we can see the invisible world: creation, the angel, the kingdom of God, and so on. So we must continually struggle against the unbelief of the world and the unbelief in us to come by faith to the throne of grace and get what we desire and discover the kingdom of God. There belongs the main subject of the Hebrews, the eternal sacrifice of God by his Son Jesus. God wanted fallen man to return to his paradise.

Prayer: Lord, as disciples of Jesus, increase my faith in this unbelieving world. Let me show your existence in the world by my faith.

One word: Faith full of confidence and demonstrating of the invisible.

Hebrews 10 :19-39 (DB de 23/5/2017)

IF THE SPIRIT OF GRACE IS INSULTED

Verse Key 10:29
The author here addresses some exhortations on the faith of believers to worship and add warnings.

1. Let us therefore approach (19-24)
"So" (19) refers to Jesus' worthy sacrifice. He gave his body by complete submission and entered the tabernacle of God. So we no longer doubt his sacrifice of forgiveness. Formerly, the veil intercepts between God and man. Only the high priest is accepted there, once a year only. But now by the sacrifice of Jesus, we are allowed to enter it, whenever we want. Now the worshiper must have a just attitude: the whole faith, good conscience, and a pure body. The worshipers are invited to constantly confess their hope to one another and to incite love to one another. We must not abandon the assembly and wander from one church to another, like a window shopping. We must remain in an assembly and seek communion among the worshipers.

2. How much worse will be the punishment (25-39)
If we return to sin after the experience of the pardon, it would be serious. It is to crucify Christ again. There will be no more sacrifice for sins. Jesus, having sacrificed his best, is not in a position to do anything for us. We have to wait for God's worst judgment. Of course this case apparently concerns apostates who have abandoned Christianity to return to Judaism or other similar idolaters. But this is a great warning to all believers on how to act after the experience of the grace of forgiveness and salvation. (Rm 6: 1.2)

Prayer: Lord, give me faith to come to you every moment and keep me from sinning.

One word: Keep your faith in heaven every day and do not sin.

Hebrews 10:1-18 (DB of 22/5/2017)

Monday May 22th 2017

key verse: 9

THE SECOND WORSHIP ESTABLISHED BY JESUS

The author speaks about the meaning and the limits of the first worship according to the law, with respect to the second worship. 

1. The worship according to the law cancelled by Jesus (1-8)

The worship according to the law is a shadow of the future worship, but it doesn't lead the worshippers to perfection. The sacrifice is repetitive because the worshippers remember their sins every time. Entire forgiveness is impossible. God searched for another way. He established another sacrifice based on absolute obedience. Jesus obeys God's will and wears a human body through incarnation, making himself a sacrifice of ransom who must die on the cross. Here we listen to Jesus' monologue: Father, you had no desire for offerings but I have come to do your pleasure. What a difference between the animals' sacrifice and Jesus' sacrifice !

2. Sanctified once and for all (9-18)

So Jesus replaced the first worship with the second (9) which is more powerful and incomparable with the first because of its efficiency. The feelings of the worshippers in the second worship are very different from the first. Indeed the animals' sacrifice can never take away sin whereas Jesus' sacrifice can do it. Through his victory and his seat in heaven we are assured that his sacrifice has an eternal efficiency and that he has  eternally forgiven us. By his sacrifice we are made perfect ! This sacrifice makes us holy and perfect, overcoming sin (Rm 6:2). Without bloodshed there is no forgiveness. But where there is forgiveness there is no more offering for sin (18).

Prayer: Lord, now I know that your forgiveness by your great sacrifice is perfect for me. Thank you for obeing His will for me, a miserable sinner.

Bottom line: Jesus's perfect sacrifice perfectly sanctifies us

Hebrews 9:1-11 (DB of 19/5/2017)

Friday May 19th 2017

key verse: 1

THE FIRST ALLIANCE BEFORE THE REFORM

Before Jesus' reform the Israelites worshipped God. What is the meaning ?

1. The tabernacle in the midst of the people (1-7)

The structure of the tabernacle in the midst of the people is well explained in Exodus and the system of sacrifice is well explained in Leviticus. But their prescriptions are carnal, concerning food or drink, etc. The high priest always walks into the first part, called the holy place, but once a year he enters the holy of holies place to sprinkle the blood for the forgiveness of his sins and the people's sins. But the worshippers led up to the tabernacle by the high priest were aware that this system wasn't perfect; it was a shadow which announces the future reality. Therefore the Holy Spirit says that the access to the holy of holies wasn't opened (8).

2. Jesus enters the tabernacle in heaven (8-11)

So the tabernacle on the earth is a figure in the present time of what will happen. They were aware that a perfect thing will happen. The reform comes from Jesus, by him the entire system will be changed. Jesus is  the sovereign high priest of the future goods. His tabenacle is established when the actual tabernacle is destroyed (8b). This tabernacle isn't built by human hands, but by God himself. Jesus penetrates to intercede in our favor before God. He doesn't enter with the goat's blood, but with his own blood (12). We will learn how much this blood is mighty and efficient.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for wanting that either way our sins are forgiven. You established your servants up to the reform brought by Jesus. Lord, help me to spiritually worship you by Jesus.

Bottom line: Jesus, the sovereign high priest of the future goods

Hebrews 8:1-13 (DB of 18/5/2017)

Thursday, May 18th 2017

key verse: 13

THE NEW COVENANT IN JESUS

The author compares the old covenant to the new one. The new covenant is superior and much better than the old one which is disappearing. 

1. Jesus in the new sanctuary (1-7)

If Jesus was an ordinary high priest, we wouldn't need him, since there are many others who could do the work. However, he is a superior high priest because he has gone up to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. His ministry is in the heavenly sanctuary made by his hand. Down here, high priests offer gifts to God as a shadow of the heavenly reality, just as Moses erected the tent according to the model received on Sinai. Therefore, Jesus' covenant is better, just as the promise is better. The first covenant was imperfect, which is why we need a better one. This was accomplished through Christ's coming. Jesus is the author of faith and brings it to perfection for each man. 

2. They shall all know me (8-13)

God reproaches men who are strongly attached to the old law. At present, the Hebrews must abandon their legalism and accept Jesus as their Savior who will purify them entirely by grace. In the past, their fathers did not persevere in the covenant, losing its validity, and consequently, God no longer showed concern for them. Now, however, God sends his Son to accomplish his will. While persevering in obediance and with the help of the Holy Spirit, they will be able to understand the word of God. Both children and adults will be pardonned for their iniquities. It is not that man deserves this; it's the grace of God (12). Thus, the old covenant gives way to the new one.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the new covenant in Jesus which is superior and better for me. Help me to possess it completely.

Bottom line: Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant

Hebrews 7:7-28 (DB of 17/5/2017)

Wednesday May 17th 2017

key verse: 25

YES, THE HIGH PRIEST JESUS

We need a high priest, because we are sinners and we need forgiveness. Who is the best high priest ?

1. Melchisedek's vocation (7-16)

Levi received the tithe from his brothers because of Moses' law. But the tithe was given first to Melkisedek by Abraham, then by Jacob and certainly by Isaac. Levi wasn't born when that was applied. Melkisedek's order already existed. Melkisedek's vocation is fundamentally different from Levi's vocation because the second is not perfect, whereas Melkisedek's order succeded and the Lord belongs to this order (Ps 110:4). What distnguishes the Lord is that he doesn't belong to Levi's line, but he belongs to Judah's line, so that means a new order established.

2. Christ's eternal vocation (17-28)

Jesus is the high priest of a new order, because the previous leviticus order based on Moses' law doesn't lead to perfection whereas Jesus' order leads to it. Jesus gives us the best hope which is living (19). Because he is the eternal high priest he provides the best alliance. It's also because of the divine oath. His vocation isn't transmissible. He intercedes in favor of those which approach him (24,25). This high priest suits very well mankind, because we don't need to see the human high priest who constantly makes offerings purifing himself from his sins. God's Son had accomplished it once and for all, basing itnot on the law but on the later word. Thanks to his vocation we are now forgiven and we can enter God's kingdom. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending Jesus as my high priest according to Melchisedek, so that by him I am eternally forgiven and I am the high priest for his people.

Bottom line: the superiority of Jesus' vocation 

Hebrews 6:1-6 (DB of 15/5/2017)

Monday May 15th 2017

key verse: 1

LET US GROW UP

Seing the spiritual regression of the Hebrews, the apostle strongly urges them to not abandon faith but to grow, according to His will.

1. The decision to grow (6:1-3)

The solid food is for a man of full growth whereas the milk is for a child. So we must leave the rudimentary instruction to acquire a solid instruction. The rudimentary instruction is listed in the verses 1b-2. We must grow up because it's for this purpose that God called us. What is the perfection in Jesus ? We know the basis but if we don't practice it we don't really know it. So, without only settling for the doctrine, we must live it. For example the repentance of the dead works is the basis, but how much do we want to justify ourselves by our own works without depending on Jesus' work? How much our knowledge of Jesus' resurrection is superficial allowing fear in us ? Jesus is the author of faith which leads it to perfection. If we follow him in his way we reach perfection. 

2. The danger of the apostate (6:4-12)

The author speaks about the danger of the apostate. The apostates are those who were converted, tasting the light of the Gospel, but who came back to their Jewish tradition. They claim Jesus' blood is not sufficient and must be completed with human works. Perfecting ourselves in our own human works is not reaching perfection. Reaching perfection is remaining in Jesus, learning from him his virtues like faith, obedience, sacrifice. But because of their humanism they abandonned their faith in Jesus' gospel. Their end is tragic. They can't be forgiven again. 

Prayer: Lord, make me reach perfection. Help me not abandon the Gospel to rely on my own affairs. 

Bottom line: Reach perfection

Hebrews 4:14 - 5:6 (DB of 12/5/2017)

Friday May 12th 2017

key verse: 4:14

JESUS OUR SOVEREIGN HIGH PRIEST

Jesus is our sovereign high priest, he is very different from the other human high priests. 

1. Let us be strong in our faith (4:14-16)

Our sovereign high priest, Jesus, has made his way through the heavens after his suffering and his resurrection. He is God's Son. Therefore we must be strong in our faith in him. The human high priest is full of faults, and above all he can't sacrifice his life for the ewes because he is himself dirty by sin. Jesus is the High Priest much superior, because he has given his life for the worshippers. Anyways, having become like a man, he can understand the weakness of a man and intercede in his favor before God. 

2. The human priestly vocation and Christ's priestly vocation (5:1-6)

The human high priests also understand the worshippers, because being humans, they must simultaneously offer the sacrifices for themselves and for the people. They don't take this honour for themselves. In spite of the splendid vestment, Aaron and the Levites had nothing to brag about. The same applies to Christ. He didn't take the glory for himself. It's God who had given glory to him. It's God who has begotten his Son and who has established him after the order of Melchizedec. 

Prayer: Lord, help me constantly to be strong in my faith in you, Thank you for offering your life for me, so that I am forgiven and I live for you glory.

Bottom line: The perfect priestly vocation of Christ

Hebrews 4:1-13 (DB of 11/5/2017)

Thursday, May 11th 2017

STRIVE TO ENTER HIS REST

key verse: 11

The author speaks about rest in the perspective of the Old Testament and the New Testament.

1. Do not harden your hearts (1-7)

When the people of Israel heard the word spoken by Moses, they did not believe, due to their disbelief. Their hearts were hardened and they couldn't enter the rest that Moses shared in at last because of his faithfulness to God. The people heard of it, yet did not recieve it. Living in a different time, we have heard these words and believed. So we will enter his rest. The divine truth states that those who hear his words and believe will enter his rest, but those who listen yet do not believe will not enter his rest. In every age, since the creation of the world, this holds true according to the principle of God's works.

2. For the word of God is living and active (8-13)

If the day of rest referred to only the time of Joshua, God would no longer speak about it. Yet, he still tells us that his rest concerns the sabbath. Thus, we can obey him by resting on the sabbath. On this day, we hear the word of God and rest in it. We can worship God in spirit and truth. When pierced by the word of God, the human soul can experience deep rest. Our souls are fundamentally sick and only God's word can heal us. Through his word, God penetrates to the very marrow of our souls, discerning the thoughts of man. No one can hide from God. It is sometimes painful, but it leads to total delivery. It is the rest that a Christian experiences.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for accepting me in Christ, when I heard and believed, and you gave me rest for my soul. Help me to observe the sabbath in order to experience rest deeply through your word. 

Bottom line: obey his word and rejoice in His rest

Hebrews 3:1-19 (DB of 10/5/2017)

Wednesday May 10th 2017

Hebrews 3:1-19

key verse: 3,15

JESUS' STATUS AND HIS MESSAGE

The author speaks about Jesus' superiority over Moses. We must rightly consider it. However, the message towards the people is the same: never forget mercy.

1. Participate in the celestial vocation (1-6)

Jesus called us "brothers" becoming akin to us and destroying the devil, so we have a particular consideration for him. First, we must get rid of the world's value and confirm our celestial vocation. Jesus is the apostle and the sovereign high priest. Above all he was faithful to God. The Hebrews worshiped Moses because he was faithful to God's call and vocation all the way. Jesus' fidelity is incomparable with Moses' fidelity because Jesus had given himself to death to obey God's will for mankind's salvation. The comparison between both is as a comparison between the builder and the house. Moses also is compared with a servant whereas Jesus is the Son. The Christians also are simultaneously the house and the servant, but Jesus is the builder and the son.

2. Be not hard of heart when you listen to God's word (7-19)

Moses says by Holy Spirit that the Israelites must listen to the voice and not be hard of heart. When the people had an incredulous heart, their heart shifled away from God and became rebellious. Therefore, none of them could enter the promised land. The author stresses God's mercy for the people (16), the agony of the servant because of sin (17), their disobedience which leads to the curse of the servant (18) and the author concludes that all these things are because of their disbelief (19). It's the same thing for the Christian who, after the divine apostle Jesus had spoken, forgets mercy, becomes incredulous and is drawn to sin again (13b). He will be deprived of rest.

Prayer: Lord, you are superior to Moses in your fidelity. Thank you for making me your house and your servant. Make me always be faithful and obedient. 

Bottom line: Be not tempted and be not hard of heart

Hebrews 2:9-18 (DB of 9/5/2017)

Tuesday, May 9th 2017

key verse: 11

JESUS WAS MADE OUR BROTHER

Here, the author speaks about Jesus' humanity which was necessary for the salvation of men. Jesus is not ashamed to call all men his brothers.

1. He is not ashamed to call them brothers (9-13)

God was made man in order to be among sinners (John 1:14). In becoming similar to sinful man, the Creator became a man in order to accompany him. Thus, as the psalmist sings, Jesus, Son of God and Creator, was made lower than the angels for a time. Yet, in God's time, he was lifted up to his original position (Phil. 2:9). His elevation was the consequence of his humiliation. For he had given himself over to death as a sacrifice of ransom for men who were slaves under sin, and this pleased God. Jesus, though he is God, is not ashamed to call all of us his brothers. Only he who was a holy sacrifice can make his people holy (Lev. 19:2). Coming from one origin, Jesus and sanctified men are brothers (11).

2. Jesus, victor over the devil (14-18)

The author talks again about the incarnation.This time, he explains that the purpose of this work was to destroy the work of the devil. The incarnation was the beginning of all actions that would lead to the ultimate goal: the crucifixion. The life of a sinner is more than miserable, for he fearfully lives under slavery. Logically, Jesus would have to be like man in order to rescue him and become a high priest. This merciful high priest can understand men facing temptation, since he himself was tempted.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for becoming my brother in order to save me from sin. Thank you for becoming my eternal high priest who rescues me now and forever.

Bottom line: Jesus, my brother and my high priest

Hebrews 2:1-8 (DB of 8/5/2017)

Monday May 8th 2017

key verse: 6

WHAT IS MAN ?

First the author speaks about the primacy of Christ's message, then he speaks about human existence. 

1. Salvation announced in the beginning by Christ (1-4)

Angels are helping spirits in favour of the elected (1:14). Furthermore, they also are used as God's messengers in favour of these who must inherit salvation. So their message mainly concerns mankind's salvation. The content of this message is the result of  mankind's disobedience of God. These who disobeyed will receive their right payment. When the time came, the origin of all the messengers, Jesus, God's Son, came to announce the good new for the righteous men and also the judgment of the wicked. Then his messages were confirmed by his servants. The primacy of Jesus' message being confirmed, we must devote a great deal of attention to not disobey his word.

2. What is man ? (3-4)

First, man is mediocre because he is made with clay. But thereafter he is extremely exalted because God raises him so that all things on earth submit below his feet. Throughout the creation, God had already given man all things so that he dominated the world. Now the devil had snatched from him this gift, but God's will is that man recovers his initial position. That's why he sent his only Son. The psalmist sings that even before he comes, God ennobles man up to a position a bit lower than the angels, but when Jesus will come God will completely restore his initial position of God's steward, and this work will finish when Jesus will come at the end.

Prayer: Lord, you are the supreme messenger for my salvation. Thank you for although I am miserable you take care of me. Make use of me to take care of your world according to your will. 

Bottom line: Jesus - Mankind - Angels 

Hebrews 1:1-4 (DB of 5/5/2017)

Friday May 5th 2017

LETTER TO THE HEBREWS: INTRODUCTION

The converted Jews who became Christians were soon persecuted by their incredulous compatriots (10:32-34). Although they were strong in faith, because of their laziness, the Hebrews became discouraged and we observe a spiritual regression (5:12-14). That's why the author repetitively reminds them of the faith and consecration to God what they had shown at the beginning. Moreover we find very serious reflexions about the destiny of Jews who had believed in Gospel and then had abandoned this way of faith (6:4-8; 10:26-31). Nevertheless, the most important subject of the Hebrews is Christ. Throughout the letter, the reader follows a common thread which constantly traces the superiority of the God' full manifestation in Christ. God's Son, the sovereign high priest and the mediator of the new alliance on all the revelations, the prescriptions and people of Old Testament. Christ is greater than the prophets and the angels, more high than Moses, Joshua and Aaron. The israelite worship with all its sacrifices represented only a shadow of the reality: the offering of Jesus Christ was given once and for all. The numerous citations of Old Testament are often introduced only to bring the contrast between the old alliance and new alliance out and show their achievement in Christ. 

Hebrews 1:1-4

key verse: 3

JESUS,  GOD'S ULTIMATE MESSENGER

It's an introduction part again of the epistle of the Hebrews. First, the supremacy of Jesus Christ. 

1. The supremacy of Jesus Christ (1-2)

God speaks to the world through his prophets and God revealed his will through them. But now the time is coming when God reveals his will through his Son Jesus Christ. His will is to save the fallen mankind. God used his Son as an atonement tool for mankind. Jesus wore the flesh of the human and shared his suffering. But we musn't forget that he is the Creator of the heaven and the earth and God established him as the heir of God's kingdom. All these things come through Jesus and all come back to God through Jesus. 

2. Jesus seated in the sky (3-4)

This Son is the alter ego of God. God's glory shines through him and he is the substance of God Himself. He supports all the things in this world. So he is the sovereign of the world. The world was made by his mighty word. This one who created the world also purifies the sin of mankind. He created the world through one of his words but he purified and saved mankind sacrificing his life. It's a very great paradox, but Jesus endured this suffering to save mankind. Even if this obedience is bloody it's agreable for God. It's like the holocaust consumed by the fire and accepted by God in Leviticus. But his obedience up to death wasn't in vain, God accepted his sacrifice and made him resurrected from the dead and now he is seated on the right of God. He is a spiritual being as the angels. But the angels are not comparable with Jesus. His name is Lord, who created the world and who reigns in the physical and spiritual world. 

Prayer: Lord, make me worship only Jesus, because he is the Creator, a supreme being. But he purified my sin and he is mounted and he sits on the throne.

Bottom line: Jesus, radiation of God's glory 

Leviticus 25:14-46 (DB of 3/5/2017)

Wednesday May 3rd 2017

key verse: 16

The rest of  chapter 25 is the antipode of the divine blessings listed yesterday. 

1. The single condition of curse (14-15)

God doesn't detail curses as blessings. The single condition of a curse is disobedience, that means that when we listen to God's word we have an aversion to it and we don't practice it. It breaks the alliance with God.

2. The curses which follow (4-13)

Then, God proclaims the curses in five phases, and each time the density is seven times stronger. 

1) the rebellious people suffer from misfortunes like disorder, wilting, fever, unsuccesfullness, the defeat during the war, 

2) the drought, the sterility of the earth, 

3) the destructive ferocity of the animals 

4) the vengeful sword, the pest, the siege, the famine 

5) the omnivorous beings, the divine aversion, the destruction of the temple, the rejection of the offerings. The desolation of the country which enjoys the rest. The unknown fear, the final perdition, the regret which gnaws during the captivity. Finally, during the captivity their hearts become humble, while they pay their debt because of their past fault, God remembers his yesteryear alliance and God decides to save them. God doesn't fully reject his people to exterminate them, but in His time God wants to restore them. God is the Eternal God, he can't be in conflict with himself. God is faithful to his promise, so He remembers it, and in His time makes his people come back in their territory.

Prayer: Lord, make me know the consequences of my sins and come back to you, repenting, with fear that I be departed from you. 

Bottom line: repent and do not be cursed 

Leviticus 25:1-13 (DB of 2/5/2017)

Tuesday May 2st 2017

key verse: 4

THE DIVINE BLESSINGS

It's soon the end of  Leviticus. This chapter explains why God established the system of sacrifices: first, to make his people holy, then to bless them. Before God, there are blessings and curses, there is no middle. 

1. Three conditions of blessing (1-3)

God gives three conditions so that the people receive God's blessings. First, they must worship the only true God rejecting all the forms of idolatry. Then they must observe the Sabbath and respect the sanctuary. Lastly, they must observe the commandments and practice them. 

2. The divine blessings (4-13)

When the people obey God's commandments, God promises numerous blessings: rain, fertility of the vegetation, alternating of the sowings, without ending harvest, food and safety. Then God promises peace and tranquility during the night, the tamed animals, absence of war. In case of war they will win in spite of the ennemy 20 times more numerous. Above all, God's constant support, fecundity, the maintenance of the alliance, the overflowing barns, God's presence and friendship among the people. Verse 12 is the summary and the acme of the divine blessing. God walks among the people, He is their God and they are his people. Who is this God ? God repeates that He is the Eternal God, their God who delivered them from the hand of the Egyptians and made them free. They must remember that God wants to bless his people. But they musn't abuse his blessing. If we want to be blessed we must rely on forgiveness' mercy. 

Prayer: Lord, make me satisfy these three conditions. You will be on my side and I will be your people. Make me remember how you saved me from sin so that I always obey. 

Bottom line: observe his commandments and practice them (3)