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, (Hebrews 2:14)

That God became a man is the world’s most incredible story. The son of God entered the world as a baby, lived a human life, and died a human death as a show of his marvelous love for unworthy sinners. What more does this text teach? 

First, the passage tells us that Jesus became a man. He took on flesh and blood. He had a human body subject to pain, hunger and thirst. He had a soul that felt both love and hate, and was both joyful and sad. All of these feelings were real and not pretended. His Godhead did not lessen the infirmities of his humanity.

Second, Jesus became a man so that he might die. Other men die because they are human, and death is unavoidable, but Jesus assumed our nature for the express purpose of acquiring the capability of dying. He could have chosen to live many years in this world, healing the sick and teaching the people, and then, like Elijah, be suddenly lifted to heaven. Instead, he chose to die. And he experienced an extremely painful death.

Third, by his death and resurrection, Christ destroyed Satan, the one who had the power of death. Death is the result of sin in the world, and Satan is the one who propagates it. Satan kindles the passions which lead to sin and death – anger, lawlessness, and murder. He strikes terror and dread into those who contemplate death.

Fourth, Jesus chose to die to deliver man from the bondage of fear. The dread of death holds us in bondage. Jesus sacrificed himself as an atonement for the sin Satan promotes. Christ’s death and resurrection can remove the guilt of sin, and offer the promise of eternal life. Jesus Christ took the sting out of death.

One who accepts Jesus on his terms, (Acts 2:38) and gives their life to him, can enter into a covenant relationship with God. They join a brotherhood where the Lord is their big brother and leader leading them toward heaven.

By George Slover

“For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2:10) 

The crucifixion of Christ, the Savior is a fundamental foundation of Christianity. It was fitting or necessary for one, like him, who was sinless to die to accomplish God’s mission of redemption. By God’s grace, Jesus, his son tasted death for this purpose. 

By the offering of his son, God brought many sons to glory. Jesus is the “son of God”. Those redeemed by him are “sons of God”. What a marvelous blessing for us to be able to call the Creator of heaven and earth "our Father”. (Matthew 6:9)

If God is our father, then Jesus is our older brother. Jesus, the Savior is not ashamed to call those who have received his forgiveness his brethren. (vs.11) The idea of a brother represents a fellowship of love, and family. How wonderful to think this familia relationship was made possible by the death of God’s own son.

The New Testament describes this blessed state with various terms. Those who are God’s sons are “adopted”. (Ephesians 1:5) Though not belonging to God, nor deserving, God willingly claims the sinner as his own. As God's son they become heirs of God's marvelous promises. “Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (Galatians 4:7)

Finally, the text says it was “fitting for God to bring many sons to glory”. This salvation originates with God and glorifies him. God so identified with man, so fixed his eyes on him, that he could not leave man in his lost state, but desired to call them his sons!

God is calling you from your helpless state of sin to this an exalted position. Will you receive him?

By George Slover

I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness in the great assembly;
Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O Lord, You Yourself know. I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great assembly. 
(Psalm 40:9,10)

David is singing the praises of God. He is extolling the righteousness of God to the congregation. He is shouting the good news. But what prompts this outburst of praise? 

When the song begins we find David in the middle of a horrible pit and miry clay. This describes one who is deep down in the middle of depression. He is sinking in despair. There seems to be no rest, nor way of escape.

There was a cry to God for help. David waits patiently for God's answer of mercy. There is a delay in God’s reply. The wait is long! But finally, God lifts him from the sinking pit and sets him high up on a rock.

The Psalmist’s first response is a surrender of will, heart, and life to God. God wanted more than sacrifice and offering. There must be ears (vs. 6) that are tuned to God, and a heart (vs. 8) that the delights in his will. Without this all else is vain.

Along with the consecrated life is a proclamation of God's loving kindness, righteousness, and faithfulness. Gratitude prompts a strong desire to declare God's goodness. Such declarations are made by both the spoken word, and a godly life.

Will you join the Psalmist in shouting the good news to a lost world? A contemplation of the depth of your own sin, the completeness of your restoration, and the wonders of redemption should bring forth praise to God. 

By George Slover

who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:6-9)

God commands us to develop the spirit of Christ. (Vs. 5) Such a selfless spirt promotes unity in the family of God. (Vs. 1-4)  

To fully grasp the spirit of Christ, we must first understand his existence before he appeared in the flesh. (John 1:14)  Though equal to God in glory, Christ did not cling to this state, but willingly laid it aside to come in the likeness of man. He laid aside the honor of His throne and became a man.

There are three virtues that are worthy of our thoughts as we strive to emulate the spirit of Christ. First, he became a servant.  Isaiah (see Isaiah 52:13) prophesied of the suffering servant 700 years before: "He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11)

Jesus’ attitude toward sinful man was one of complete service. (Matthew 20:28) In pursuit of unity, it is necessary for us to take that position as well. (John 13:1-17) One who serves is one who loses themselves to unselfishly meet the needs of others. Can you imagine a family or a church full of such people?

Second, as a man he became obedient. Repeatedly Jesus reminded his followers of his earthly mission.  "Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:34) Disciples of Christ must have the same spirit.  They are called to be totally given to the Father’s cause. When one is fully given to the will of God there is no room for self-aggrandizement that promotes discord.

Third, Jesus was obedient to his death. Jesus died the death of a condemned criminal. New Testament writers tell us he hung on a “tree”.  (Galatians 3:13) Early disciples were glad to identify with this symbol of shame. (Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29)

Do you agree that relationships from family to church would improve if those involved would have this attitude? “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”  (1 John 3:16)  We must be willing to die that others might live. 

Jesus did not come to please himself nor do we find him in the high places of the world. He did not seek his own comfort but the comfort of others. He went about doing good and caring for others. He died so we could enjoy the highest state – to be called children of God. Christ’s disciples must also mind these things.

By George Slover