Hi there and welcome to this week’s Devotional Moments. We are following the New Testament in 90 Days Challenge reading plan and today we are up to the first two chapters of Hebrews. For me, the Book of Hebrews has a special significance. 23 years ago, at one of my former churches, things around me were very difficult. Every corner I turned challenges were there waiting for me. The church went through a very difficult period prior to me commencing there and so the hurt was still there when I arrived. After a couple of years of mediating between broken relationships, going to court to defend the church’s name, trying to stop the exodus of people going through confusion, and trying to remain positive and hopeful to new people at the church, it all caught up with me. My spirit was low. My spiritual life was not active. I sought help from a mentor who encouraged me to take some leave and spend time with God. Leisl and I decided to go on holidays, and I thought where do I start experiencing a renewal of God’s Spirit in me?
I prayed a desperate prayer and literally opened the Bible and where it opened, I thought that is where I would start. Perhaps not the best advice but on this occasion, God used it.
My Bible opened to the Book of Hebrews which I thought was interesting. I was hoping for Books like Psalms or Job. No, God opened my bible at Hebrews. So, I started at chapter 1. And chapter one is known for getting straight to the point. There is no introduction, no prologue – just straight to the point. And this is what I read: “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names” (Hebrews 1:1-4 NLT).
As I read this that phrase in verse 4 stood out to me: “greater”. Already God was saying to me, through His very Word, that Jesus Christ is far greater than the all the issues waiting for me back at my church, is far greater than my spiritual crisis, is far greater than my disappointments and my hopes. It was as if God was saying, “yep, you have some issues, but remember, my Son is far greater – look up”.
Within thirty seconds God was speaking into my life. I couldn’t put this book down. I kept reading and reading and it was as if God’s Spirit was breathing new life into me. As I look back, it was God’s Spirit filling me afresh with His Holy Spirit. His Word, the Book of Hebrews were opening my eyes afresh to my Jesus – that He is far greater – I just need to keep looking up to Him.
This week, as you go through this book, may you be encouraged to keep looking up – up to Jesus for He is far greater.
David Moyes