A Reason Jesus Became Flesh (Heb. 2:14)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 01-01-03

 

My Worship Time                                          Focus:  A Reason Jesus became Flesh

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                         Reference:  Hebrews 2:14

 

            1. Message of the verse:  “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,” (NKJV) “Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—Jesus also became flesh and blood by being born in human form.  For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the Devil, who had the power of death.”  (NLT)

            The definition of the word “partaker” in the NKJV from Strongs Concordance is as follows:  “1) to come into communion or fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner 2) to enter into fellowship, join one's self to an associate, make one's self a sharer or partner.”  Also from the note in Dr. MacArthur’s study bible for the word “shared” in the NKJV is as follows:  ‘“Shared’ means to take hold of something that is not related to one’s own kind.  The Son of God was not by nature ‘flesh and blood,’ but took upon Himself the nature for the sake of providing the redemption for mankind.”   The first phrase of this verse is speaking of the fact that God’s children are made of flesh and blood, they are human beings.  Now because of this fact Jesus Christ also had to become a human being so He would be able to become our “sacrifice” for sin, (He became sin for us).  The definitions of the words above make this clearer to understand.  The last part of this verse speaks of Jesus Christ destroying the devil, who had the power of death.  The question is how did the devil have power over death?  Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe in his book on Hebrews, “Be Confident,” has a good explanation for this question.  “In what sense did Satan have the power of Death?  The final authority of death is in the hands of our God (Deut. 32:39; Matt. 10:28; Rev. 1:18).  Satan can do only that which is permitted by God (Job 1:12; 2.6).  But because Satan is the author of sin (John 8:44), and sin brings death (Rom. 6:23), in this sense Satan exercises power in the realm of death.  Jesus called him a murderer (John 8:44).”

 

            2.  Spiritual meaning for my life today:  As I look at this verse I see that God, through Jesus Christ, has solved the biggest problem that I will ever face in all of my life, and that is the salvation of my soul, and becoming a born-again child of God.  If He has solved this problem He will take care of my life in the best way He knows how, and that is the best way that it can be taken care of.  Paul said in one of his writings something to the effect that if God has done this wonderful work for us when we were sinners, how much more will He now do for us since we are His children.  I can only say amen to that.

 

The Word of God was very refreshing to me this first morning of 2003.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I want the grace of God in my life to live like He is for me in all that I do.  I want to trust Him with my life, knowing He will never leave me, nor forsake me.

 

Memory verse for the week:  Colossians 4:5

 

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (NIV)