Day 684: Hebrews 2- Jesus Is Our Champion

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
The Founder of Salvation5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere,
“What is man, that you are mindful of him,
    or the son of man, that you care for him?
7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
    you have crowned him with glory and honor,
8     putting everything in subjection under his feet.”
Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
    in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Meditation
Grace invites us to, “See the salvation of the Lord on our behalf” (2 Chronicles 20:17). Christians rejoice saying, “Thanks be to God who gives victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). God gives salvation and strength through the finished work of Jesus.
 
Jesus is the “founder of our salvation” (10). This same word is used in Hebrews 12:2 and can be translated “champion.” As David entered the valley to fight the Philistine champion Goliath on behalf of the Israelites, so Jesus left the throne room of Heaven to take on flesh (Philippians 2:6-9) and suffer death that “by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone” (9). God died so “that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is the devil, and deliver all those” who trust in Him (14-15). Jesus is our champion!
 
Christ’s death is the headwaters, or source, of our salvation (11) through which we have a new identity as God’s family, a new mission as God’s people, and a new strength in our sanctification (16-18). Jesus gives us the spoils of His victory! We must pay careful attention so that we do not ignore the power of God’s great salvation (1-4).
 
The enemy is defeated and his army retreating. Living FROM victory in Christ, Christians live on offense to apply Christ’s victory to all of life. The gates of Hell will not prevail (Matthew 16:17-19) and in all things “we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us (Romans 8:37).
 
Richly Dwelling
-Jesus has accomplished victory over death and defeated the devil. Do you live as if you believe this teaching?
 
-How does the finished victory of Jesus give us a secure identity, one not based on our work but His finished work?
 
-Where can you apply Christ’s victory? Is there a relationship, area of brokenness, or disorder that can be restored, renewed, or redeemed through your love by the work of Jesus?
 
Key Verse
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 

Here is the HEBREWS 1 meditation from earlier this year.