A Cut Above
Good Wednesday to you,
To say we are experiencing a crisis with regard to authority would be an understatement. Of course, this is nothing new. From the opening chapters of Genesis, we see human beings rebelling against God’s authority in their lives. By the time of Jesus’ incarnation, the Jewish people had developed a transcendent understanding of God that prevented them from approaching God on their own. Angels became the intermediaries for them. In the first chapter of Hebrews, the author makes it clear that Jesus is superior to the prophets of old and superior to the angels. The author uses Hebrew scripture to establish the unique relationship between God and the Son. Angels are servants; the Son is God, who is eternal, divine, and unchanging.
Our understanding of angels is "all over the map." But, so is our understanding of authority! Those who see the government as the ultimate authority are having a bit of a crisis right now. If we establish authority in anything other than Jesus, we are building "a house of cards" which cannot stand.
In these challenging times, we must focus our attention on Jesus. He is the only authority that counts. Our faith must be firmly built upon solid doctrine, and that includes the divinity of Jesus. There is a spiritual battle raging in the heavens. Eventually, all God’s enemies will become a "footstool" for the feet of Jesus. We must be careful not to put too much faith and authority into the government, the law, money, material possessions, institutions (like the church), or even ourselves (possibly the most precarious). Jesus alone is our ultimate authority. In the midst of these trying and transitioning times, trust that Jesus will sustain us and guide us through any trial or tribulation we encounter.
Next week we will launch into the second chapter (2:1-4). I hope you are reading your Bible and praying with a penitent spirit while engaging with God’s people. We will get through this. Remember, nothing in all of creation is able to separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus!
On another note, if you want to see a documentary that will inspire and encourage you, I’d like to recommend "Free Burma Rangers," now available on RightNow Media. This is an amazing organization on the front lines of mission in very challenging places. I was hoping to sponsor this for an evening event in the sanctuary before COVID hit. Now, it is available in your own living room!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.
