As the author continues to make a case for faith in Jesus as Messiah he turns to address Moses and the place of Jesus in relation to Moses' authority. While this seems insignificant to non-Jewish readers it would have been pivotal information and a deciding factor for the Hebrews addressed.
In this presentation Moses is noted and honored as a faithful servant, while contrasted to the sonship of Jesus the Messiah.
The call to the reader of Hebrews is not to harden ones heart against the truth of the gospel as their ancestors had hardened their hearts in the wilderness wanderings with Moses, and so be lost.
I wonder where I have hardened my heart in regards to God's call and authority. Where do you limit God's ability and ownership in your life by setting boundaries? These boundaries may be faith issues, and may show themselves in different ways. A lack of faith may turn us to say that we are unable or unworthy of what God has decided to do in or through us. Hard hearts not only turn away from truth, they turn away from blessing. Are you open today to the Lord doing a new, wonderful thing in your life?
About Me
- Pastor Bill
- I am a committed follower of Jesus Christ, a happy husband, father and grandfather!
5 comments:
Back to Paul and Philemon. One thing I keep thinking about is how Paul deals with different churches and different people in different ways. Sometimes he is straightforward and direct, sometimes he is gentle and cicumspect? Maybe that is something to be learned. Different situations call for different methods and that is ok. Isn't it? As far as Philemon , maybe because slavery was part of that culture, Paul felt perhaps Philemon nedded a reminder about all that was done for him. Philemon did not have the new testament to go to. Even the people in the church did not think slavery was wrong so maybe this reminder is what was needed in this situation. Interesting to think about.
PHILEMON as small a book as it is, is a masterpiece of true Grace. I really don't believe that Paul acted without God's help in reuniting Onesimus and Philemon. I sometimes think that there are barriers that must come down even in my own life to bring friends to Christ. I agree that in 60 AD slavery was widely accepted and Paul had to encourage Oneimus to return to Philemon. Through God's Grace Oneimus returned to Philemon. Read Colossions 3:11. Christ breaks down all barriers and accepts all people who come to him. Amen!
Very good point Darlynne. We think we know a bit about Paul, but we certainly do not know Philemon and paul did. Perhaps this was the only way to deal with that particular person.
I had an interesting discussion with a friend the other day about Philemon and I will either post some of thos ethoughts later, or if i can i will get him to post some of his ideas here.
Thanks for thinking with me here!
Bill
Hey Servant of the King! Long time no see.
God's grace is indeed amazing and God knows just how to deal with us and bring our hearts to the place of submission that they need to find.
Grace for Philemon, and for Onesimus, and Paul and me and you!
Bill
Those who hear and yet are rebellious - I guess that means all of us! We hear, we know what God asks of us, but we don't do it. The human condition...
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