Prayer-Soldier
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 Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 2:11 pm Post subject: A World Beneath the Angels |
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For it was not to angels that he subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. Instead, someone has testified somewhere: “What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, subjecting all things under his feet.” In “subjecting” all things (to him), he left nothing not “subject to him.” Yet at present we do not see “all things subject to him,” but we do see Jesus “crowned with glory and honor” because he suffered death, he who “for a little while” was made “lower than the angels,” that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering. He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them “brothers,” saying: “I will proclaim your name to my brothers, in the midst of the assembly I will praise you”; and again: “I will put my trust in him”; and again: “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” Now since the children share in blood and flesh, he likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. ( Hebrews 2:5-18 )
We are as God has made us; all children of God; therefore, we are all brothers and sisters, one blood of one origin, though we have migrated to different regions and become multiple nations, we are all still the children of God, created in His image. As we try to separate ourselves from each other, we separate ourselves from Him. The divisions we seek, if they are in selfishness, only serve the purpose of the evil one – for in division; discontent, intolerance, hate and violence is sown.
When the words of “unity” are professed, but the actions of those who preach sow division, it is not the will of God which is served, for it is the desire of the Lord that His children live according to the Word which is fulfilled through the true unity of love.
We are each created unique and in our uniqueness He has granted us different gifts through which to serve each other. When we fail in that service, when we use our gifts purely for selfishness, when we drive hurt and hate, we are falling to sin. When we cause suffering amongst ourselves, we cause Him to suffer. If we love Him, we must also love one another.
For this reason, He came down from heaven and became man. For this reason, He suffered for us, for our sins, so that He may guide us, that He may help us understand the Word and that we might be saved. He suffered for us and shared his flesh and blood with us that we may see we are all of the same origin; that of our Creator, maker of all things, seen and unseen.
Then they came to Capernaum, and on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, ”What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee. ( Mark 1:21-28 )
If the demons are able to recognize and obey Him, how is it there are those of us who do not? Is it that some close their eyes? Is it that others close their ears? Is it that some are afraid of what it truly means to believe? Is it that we may be afraid as to what is revealed about ourselves?
To believe in Him and all that He seeks to teach us, it means we must recognize we are not perfect in this world. It means we must recognize that in our imperfection we will fall to the temptations of sin; but to believe in Him also means that through His sacrifice for us, our sins may be forgiven. It means that if we follow that which He taught us, we will turn away from sin and towards the purification offered to us through His sacrifice. It means that through Him we receive the hope to enjoy eternal life in the kingdom where evil is not allowed to enter.
May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier
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