Meditating on Hebrews day 9: Heb 5:11-6:3

Read

5:11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. 6:1Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.

Think

· What’s causing the audience’s immaturity and difficulty in understanding?

· How would you define “maturity” from this passage?

· Consider 5:14 and 6:3. How can someone go from spiritually infantile to spiritually mature?

Pray

· Thank God that he speaks to us for our good and growth.

· Pray that you might not be lazy or sluggish in listening to God, but active in seeking to grow.

Today

· Rate your own spiritual maturity from 1 (infant) to 10 (mature). If your closer to the ‘infant’ end of the spectrum, what’s one thing you could regularly add to your week to grow in Christ? If your closer to the “mature” end of the spectrum, who’s one person you could help grow in Christ?

Meditating on Hebrews day 8: Heb 5:1-10

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5:1 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son today I have become your Father.” 6 And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” 7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Think

· What does a high priest do?

· Why is Jesus a legitimate high priest?

· Write a detailed job description for Jesus. How does this job description give us confidence to keep trusting Jesus?

Pray

· Thank God that Jesus knows our struggles and offers real salvation.

· Pray that God would help you to keep trusting Jesus as your high priest.

Today

· Re-read 5:7-9 and write down or message yourself why Jesus gives you confidence in the face of death. Read this a few times throughout the day and give thanks.

Meditating on Hebrews day 7: Heb 4:11-16

11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Think

· How does a living and penetrating word help you enter God’s rest? (hint think about our hearts and the previous few reflections)

· How does ‘who’ Jesus is and ‘where’ Jesus is help us ‘hold firmly to the faith you profess’?

· Consider that Jesus understands your weakness. Why does this give you confidence to ask for help in our times of need?

Pray

· God knows everyone of your thoughts, words, and actions. Is there anything you need to confess to him? Spend some time confessing these.

· Give thanks that Jesus is in heaven on your behalf and you can be confident of being forgiven by God.

Today

· Ask God that he might help you turn to prayer quickly in your moments of need today.

· Write down prayer for help on a slip of paper or your phone (or something you can keep with you throughout the day). When you need help, are tempted, or are struggling with something, use this prayer.