Hebrews 2
Chapter 2 is a continuation of chapter 1, starting with the word “therefore.” Therefore, give earnest heed to what we have heard about Jesus. In chapter 1 verse 14 it reads, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” This writer also writes about the ministry of angels on the earth (who are known for bringing messages), stating that we should be open to helping strangers because we might unknowingly entertain angels (13:2). Now, if the message spoken through angels was steadfast, then this message of salvation spoken through Christ should not be neglected. Once again, the author is emphasizing the authority of Christ.
Starting in verse 5 and going through the rest of chapter 2, we read about the rise in authority in Christ after tasting death for all of us. The writer quotes Psalm 8:4-6 talking about making man a little lower than angels, or “for a little while.” Then it goes on to quote about Jesus being lifted up and God putting all things in subjection under His feet. Verse 9 “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels” for the purpose of being human and tasting death for all of us.
In verse 11 it says that Jesus is not ashamed to call us “brethren” and Psalm 22:22 and Isaiah 8:17-18 talking about those for whom Christ died. When Jesus was resurrected, He made the way for the human race to be resurrected in Him, then seating us together with Christ. Human beings, once saved, are exalted together with Christ, and have authority over angels. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:3, we will judge angels (concerning our authority as God’s children, see also John 10:31-34 and Psalm 82:6).
Look at verse 16, “For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.” The seed of Abraham are both Jews and Gentiles, by faith. Salvation is being offered to human beings, not angels. In Hebrews 1:6 it says that Jesus is the firstborn into the world. As we know, Jesus was the first of His kind to be born as the Son of God, but Jesus also was the first to be born from the dead. He certainly was not the first to be raised from a dead condition, but He was the first to be raised from a spiritually dead condition (See Bible Answers on growchurches.com).
What did Christ accomplish at the cross? He saved us, and He raised us! Jesus was given all authority, and then He delegated this new authority to us with the power of heaven to back it up. This is why Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit. We are no longer subject to sin. We are no longer under the power of death. In Jesus’ name, we have authority and power to operate with as Christ would, as Christians (anointed ones). Jesus said, “The works I do You will do also, and greater works than this will you do because I go to My Father (speaking of sending the Holy Spirit).
Jeremiah 40-42
In chapter 40, Jeremiah is freed from his chains. In verse 4 he says, “See, all the land is before you; wherever it seems good and convenient for you to go, go there.” The Hebrew word for “free” is patach, and it means “to open, open wide, loosen; set free, release, untie, unshackle, liberate.” This word often referring to opening one’s hand, eyes, mouth, book, door, gate, window, as an entrance. For Jeremiah, there was a natural freedom, but there is also a supernatural freedom that comes from God.
In Luke 5:17 Jesus healed a paralyzed man, and it says, “the power of the Lord was present to heal them.” The Greek word for “present” means it “entered in.” Freedom can be described as being open for the Spirit of God to enter. In order to be open, God may need to help remove any chains that keep us from receiving. If you would like to learn more on receiving from God, I have written a book called OPEN that is available on growchurches.com.
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