The Word for Today with Ray: September 2018

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Jesus Learned Obedience by Suffering Hebrews 5:8

The Hebrew writer shared how the “high priest” among men “feared” as he made “prayers and supplications” with “strong crying and tears”on behalf of the people. Jesus actually suffered “death” as he interceded on our behalf, and in chapter five and verse eight of Hebrews, we see how He “learned obedience by suffering” where we read:

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

The verse begins, “Though he were a Son,...” The writer began with the words, “Though he were” which means “although, nevertheless and notwithstanding that Jesus was” “a Son” which refers to “the male offspring, descendant and posterity of God”. Jesus enjoyed a position with God as “Son” and not only as a “high priest” among men.

The verse goes on to say, “ ...yet learned he obedience by the things which he offered.” The writer continued, “yet learned he” which means “still Jesus increased in knowledge, was informed and understood” “obedience” or “compliance and submission” “by the things which” which refers to “the events, circumstances and situations that” “he suffered” or “Jesus was affected by, felt, sensed, experienced and underwent”. Jesus submitted Himself to be “obedient” to the demands of “the things” He endured as he intervened for us.

When we consider these words in Hebrews, we admire the humility of our “great high priest” Jesus. He didn't have to “learn obedience”, but He did for us. He didn't have to “suffer things”, but He did for us. For those who will believe and trust in Him as Savior and Lord, all He “obeyed” and “suffered” shall never be in vain. Let us realize this great sacrifice, and yield to Him today.

Next time we see the writer share how Jesus became “the author of eternal salvation”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Heard in that He Feared Hebrews 5:7

The Hebrew writer shared how Psalm one hundred ten declared concerning Jesus, “you are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” , and in chapter five and verse seven of Hebrews we see how the “high priest” “heard in that he feared” where we read:

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

The verse begins, “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications...” The writer began with the words, “Who in the days” which means “in the days of his life” “of his flesh” which refers to “the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood”, “when he had offered up” or “at the time the high priest brought up and lead in” “prayers” which means “needs, wants, privations and penuries” “and supplications” or “entreaties”. The “high priest” “offered up” and entreated God on behalf of the people.

The verse continued, “ ...with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;” The writer added, “with strong crying” which means “mighty, forcible, firm and sure outcries and clamor”, “and tears” or “weepings from the eyes” “unto him” which refers to “God” “was able to save him” or “had ability, power and resources to keep safe, rescue and preserve” “from death” which means “separation (whether natural or violent) of the soul and the body by which the life on earth is ended”, “and was heard” or “given heed to, complied with, listened, assented to and obeyed” “in that he feared” which means “the high priest took caution, was circumspect, avoided and used discretion”. The “high priest” “offered up” “prayers and supplications” with intense “weeping and tears” as he revered God who was able to keep him from dying while he interceded for the people.

When we think through these words in Hebrews, we realize the “fear” the “high priest” incurred every time he offered “prayers and supplications” for the people. His own life was on the line while he interceded, and he obeyed God's commission anyway. Jesus Christ became our perfect “great high priest” and actually gave His life on our behalf. Once again this demonstrates His superiority to any “high priest” who came before, and now all we must do is believe in Him as Savior and Lord. Oh let all who read these words know this great and mighty intercessor and “great high priest” Jesus Christ.

Next time we see the writer share how Jesus“learned obedience by the things which he suffered”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Jesus – A Priest after Melchisedec Hebrews 5:6

The Hebrew writer shared how God chose “high priest” among men to offer “gifts and sacrifices” for their sins, and once per year he would offer them on behalf of all Israel. However, before doing so, he had to offer “gifts and sacrifices” for himself because he also was a sinner and not perfect before God. God later chose His perfect Son Jesus who “glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, You are my Son, to day have I begotten you” , and in chapter five and verse six of Hebrews we see how Jesus was “a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” where we read:

As he says also in another place, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

The verse begins, “As he says also in another place,...” The writer began with the words, “As he says” which means “since, according, just as and in proportion what was said, uttered, affirmed and maintained” “also” or “even and indeed” “in another place” which means “in a different, altered and next venue”. Psalm chapter one hundred and ten and verse four reads, “The LORD has sworn, and will not repent, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

The verse goes on to say, “ ...You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” The writer added, “You are a priest” which refers to “Jesus being a priest who offers sacrifices and was busy with sacred rites”, “for ever” or “towards the unbroken age, perpetuity of time and eternity” “after the order” which means “down from, throughout and according to the arrangement, post, rank and position” “of Melchisedec” whose name means “king of righteousness” and was “the king of Salem and priest of the most high God, who lived in the days of Abraham”. Jesus was not of the Levitical order but of the “order of Melchisedec” who appeared to Abraham

When we consider these words in Hebrews, we recognize the difference between Jesus as “high priest” and all those who came before Him. All the others were from the tribe or “order” of Levi, but Jesus came after the “order of Melchisedec” who appeared to Abraham as a “theophany” of Jesus in the book of Genesis chapter fourteen and verses eighteen and nineteen after Abraham rescued his nephew Lot from being captured. “Melchisedec's order” was superior to that of Levi, and this made Jesus superior to all previous “high priests” and no one else is higher. As the scripture says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) – Jesus.

Next time we see the writer share how Jesus “was heard in that he feared” or had “reverence”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Christ Not Glorifying Himself Hebrews 5:5

The Hebrew writer shared concerning the responsibility of the God chosen “high priest” who lived among His people. They were to have “compassion on the ignorant” because they offered “gifts and sacrifices” on behalf of the people, but were also to offer them for their own sinful selves. Jesus Christ was chosen to be the “great high priest” chosen by God who entered into the Heavenly temple once for everyone's sins, and in chapter five and verse five of Hebrews we see how “Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest” where we read:

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest;

but he that said unto him, You are my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

The verse begins, “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest;” The writer began with the words, “So also Christ” which means “in this manner and like this, even and indeed the “anointed, Messiah and Son of God” “glorified not himself” or “did not supposes, be of opinion, praise, extol, magnify, honor or celebrate with luster and splendor about himself” “to be made” which means “become, received, come to pass and happen” “an high priest” or “the chief of priests”. Jesus Christ did not “praise and magnify himself” to be the “high priest”.

The verse goes on to say, “ but he that said unto him, You are my Son, to day have I begotten you.” The writer continued, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was just written“moreover, nevertheless and nonetheless” “he that said” or “uttered, articulated, told and spoke” “unto Him” which refers to “Jesus Christ”, “You are my Son” which means “the offspring and descendant of God”, “to day” which means “this very and happening day” “have I begotten you” or “God engendered, caused to arise and excited Jesus”. God ordained His Son Jesus, His begotten One, to be the perfect and “great high priest” for us.

When we consider these words in Hebrews, we see how Jesus did not “glorify” Himself to be the “high priest” of God, but rendered that responsibility to His Father – God. The “high priests” among men were chosen by God through the tribe of Levi, however, God Himself called Jesus not only as His Son among people, but also His “high priest” as well. Jesus is superior to every “high priest” who has ever lived because He was “begotten” of God the Father. Those who are wise will realize the elevated position of Jesus over any “high priest” and submit their lives to Him as the greatest intercessor to God for all who believe.

Next time we see the writer declare how Jesus was “a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Aaron the First High Priest Hebrews 5:4

The Hebrew writer shared how the “high priest” was to intercede between God and man with both “gifts and sacrifices” for their sins. However, the “high priest” himself needed to be cleansed because he was flawed as well. When Jesus came and was “called” by God, He was without sin and became the “great high priest” for us, and in chapter five and verse four of Hebrews we see how “Aaron” was the first “high priest” who was “called of God” where we read:

And no man takes this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

The verse begins, “And no man takes this honor unto himself, ...” The writer began with the words, “And no man takes” which means “no person lays hold of, takes up or carries away” “this honor” or “valuing, deference and reverence” “unto himself” which refers to “unto their own self”. No one was able to call themselves to the honor of the “high priest”.

The verse continues, “ ...but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” The writer added the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was just written “moreover, nevertheless and nonetheless” “he that is called” or “uttered in a loud voice, saluted or named” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”, “as was Aaron” which means “light-bringer” and was “the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel and the head of the whole priestly order”. It is God who chose whom the “high priest” should be, and His first selection was “Aaron” who was Moses' brother and over all the priesthood.

When we think through these words in Hebrews, we see what an honor it was to be chosen as the “high priest”. This was not randomly selected, but was a choice of God Himself who chose Aaron as His first one. God also chose Jesus to be the “high priest” over all mankind, and when we recognize His choice as the first and only valid one, we would be foolish not to be in submission under Him. Jesus, is our perfect and “great high priest” who was chosen by God to be the Savior and Lord over all.

Next time we see the writer share how “Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

The High Priest's Sins Hebrews 5:3

The Hebrew writer continued to share how “the high priest” was “ordained” as an intercessor to God on behalf of people, and by doing so, He “can have compassion on the ignorant” even though “he himself also is compassed with infirmity”. In chapter five and verse three of Hebrews we see how the “high priest” had to “offer for sins” on his own behalf where we read:

And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.

The verse begins, “And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people,...” The writer began with the words, “And by reason” which means “and through, on account of, because and since” “hereof” or “this same” “he ought” which means “he owes, is in debt for and has goodwill due”, “as for the people” which refers to “concerning, on account of and because of the tribes, nations and all those who are of the same stock and language”. The “high priest” was to concern himself with all people.

The verse goes on to say, “ ...so also for himself, to offer for sins.” The writer added, “so also for himself” which means “and, even and indeed for his own self”, “to offer” or “to bring, lead, bear and assail” “for sins” which means “because and on account of missing the mark, mistakes, wandering the path of uprightness and honor and wrong ”. In addition to “offering” sacrifices for the people's sins, the “high priest” also “offered” sacrifices for his own.

When we think through these words in Hebrews, we see the major difference between Jesus and every “high priest” who came before Him. Jesus was without sin, and therefore needed no sacrifice for His sin. The “high priest” was to offer “sacrifices” on behalf of the people every year on the “day of atonement”, and he did so, however, as part of the ceremony, he had to offer a sacrifice for his own sins first. Jesus never did, because He never sinned. This same Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins on the cross, and when we understand His superiority to the “high priests” among men, we should delight that He sacrificed Himself for us that we might live eternally with Him.

Next time the writer in sharing about the “high priest” tells how “no man takes this honor unto himself,”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Friday, September 28, 2018

Compassion on the Ignorant Hebrews 5:2

The writer of Hebrews declared, “every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God”, and in chapter five and verse two of Hebrews we see how “the high priest can have compassion on the ignorant” where we read:

Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way;

for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

The verse begins, “Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way;...” The writer began with the words, “Who can have compassion” which means “Who is able and has power to be affected moderately or in due measure, with preserved moderation in the passions especially of anger, grief, error, faults and sins of others bearing them gently” “on the ignorant” which refers to “those who do not know, understand, err or sin through a mistake and wrong”, “and on them that are out of the way” which is all one Greek word “planaō” and means “deceives, errs, goes astray, seduces and wanders”. The “high priest” is able to “gently preserve passions” upon people who “don't understand or make mistakes” as well as those who “wander” and go “astray”.

The verse goes on to say, “ ...for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.” The writer continued, “for that he himself also” which means “the high priest himself” “is compassed” or “bound, hanged and surrounded” “with infirmity” which means “want of strength, weakness and frailty”. Though the “high priest” interceded for the people, “he” personally was “also” “bound” with his own “weaknesses and frailty”.

When we meditate upon these words in Hebrews, we see the “flaws” that were inherent in the “high priests” among men. Though the “high priest” interceded for the people, he also was in need of being cleansed from his sins. Jesus Christ, however, was inerrant and without sin or error, and He was the “perfect” “high priest” to make intercession for mankind. Jesus was “superior” to every “high priest” who every preformed his duties, and those who are wise will receive Him as the “perfect” substitution for their every sins.

Next time we see the writer share how Jesus our “high priests” was “offer for sins”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

High Priest Ordained for Men Hebrews 5:1

The Hebrew writer declared because Jesus Christ is our “high priest” and was “tempted in all points like as we are”, we can “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”. In chapter five and verse one of Hebrews we learn more about the role of the “high priest” as we see how “high priest is ordained for men” where we read:

For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men

in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

The verse begins, “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men ...” The writer began with the words, “For every high priest” which means “Because, on account of and since each, all, the whole and everyone of the chief of priests” “taken from among men” which refers to “priests who have been laid hold of, claimed and procured out of human beings” “is ordained” which means “set in place, put and appointed” “for men” or “on behalf of human beings”. Every “high priest” before Jesus were “appointed” to be so for the benefit of all other people.

The verse continues, “ ...in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:” The writer added, “in things pertaining to” or “that which is at, near or toward” “God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”, “that he may offer” or “so he may bring, lead and reach” “both gifts” which means “not only presents and expressions of honor” “and sacrifices” which literally means “victim” or “the act of a victim” “for sins” which means “missing the mark, wandering from and violating the law of God, wrongs and offenses against the divine law in thought or act”. The “high priests” were to intervene between God and man by offering “gifts and sacrifices” for the people's wrongdoings which were against the law of God.

When we think through these words in Hebrews, we understand the role of the “high priest” as an intercessor on behalf of the people, and He did so one time per year. When Jesus Christ became our “high priest”, He entered into the heavenly temple once to atone for the sins of all mankind. Jesus offered “Himself” as both a “gift” and a “sacrifice” for our sins, and when we put our faith and trust in Him, we have the promise of eternal life.

Next time we see the writer share how the high priest has “compassion on the ignorant”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Come Boldly unto the Throne of Grace

The Hebrew writer shared how Jesus is our “great high priest” who can be “touched with the feeling of our infirmities”, and He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin”. In chapter four and verse sixteen of Hebrews we see how we may “come boldly unto the throne of grace” where we read:

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The verse begins, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,...” The writer began with the words, “Let us therefore” which means “Allow and permit the Hebrew writer and his readers to approach, draw near to and assent accordingly, consequently and these things being so” “come boldly” which means “openly, frankly and without concealment, ambiguity or circumlocution” “unto the throne” which refers to “the chief chair of state having a footstool” “of grace” which means “unmerited favor, thanks, pleasure, joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm and loveliness”. Since Jesus is our “great high priest”, we may now come with “frank openness” to God's “throne”.

The verse goes on to say, “ ...that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” The writer added, “that we may obtain” which means “to take, lay hold of, claim and procure” “mercy” or “kindness or goodwill towards the miserable and the afflicted with a desire to help them”, “and find grace” or “come upon or meet with unmerited favor, thanks, pleasure, joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm and loveliness” “to help” which means “aid and assistance” “in time of need” which means “seasonable, timely and opportune demand and necessity”. When we approach God's “throne of grace” we shall “lay hold of” “mercy” and find God's “grace” readily available in our “needy times”.

When we meditate upon these words in Hebrews, we realize the access we have been given to God's “throne of grace”. Let's face it, we all have “needs”, and because Jesus is our “high priest”, we are allowed to “come to God” and “claim” His “kindness and goodwill” toward us. May everyone who reads these words realize the amazing and valuable access to God's “throne” that has been given to us by Jesus.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see the Hebrew writer share about the “high priest taken from among men”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Jesus Tempted as We Are, Yet Without Sin Hebrews 4:15

The Hebrew writer shared how “we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus”, and because of this, we are to “hold fast our profession” in Him. In chapter four and verse fifteen of Hebrews we see how Jesus “was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin” where we read:

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

The verse begins, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;” The writer began with the words, “For we have not” which means “because, even, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore the writer of Hebrews and his readers do not have” “and high priest” which refers to “the chief priest” “which cannot” or “that not lest” “be touched with the feeling of our infirmities” which in Greek is the word “sympatheō” and means “with compassion and touched with feelings”. Jesus, our “high priest” is compassionate and feels the Hebrew writer and his readers.

The verse goes on to say, “but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” The writer continued with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction word that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “was in all points” which means “each, every, the whole and in every manner and way” “tempted” or “to try or test whether a thing can be done, to attempt and endeavor” “like as we are” which refers to “in the same manner as the writer of Hebrews and his readers”, “yet without sin” or “still separate, apart and without any and besides”. Though Jesus was “tempted” in the same manner as us, He never sinned or violated the law of God.

When we think through these words in Hebrews, we may be amazed to know that our “high priest Jesus” has been “tested and tried” in every way we are, and we should love that He was “without sin” in all of them. Our “high priest” Jesus, is the only “high priest” who could enter into the heavenly temple and become the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He was perfect, and He paid the price of death for our sins on the cross. Oh how we should rejoice in God's great provision of Jesus Christ who was the perfect “high priest” on our behalf.

Next time we see the writer encourage his readers to “come boldly unto the throne of grace”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.