From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Feb 21, 2024 at 6:09 AM

Subject: 2-21-24 THOUGHTS

2-21-24   THOUGHTS

I like the idea that Christ is our elder brother.  It’s God’s idea!  The initial thought in this morning’s reading is that WE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT GOD SAYS!  Drifting is a problem for humans.  Escape and neglect are words used as we are compared to Israel of old.  The words from God are called “so great a salvation”.  God “testified” to them!   God has been wonderfully mindful of us.  Verse 9 powerfully tells us of the death of the Son of God!   “For which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.”  So how am I doing on the “paying attention” part?  

Heb 2:1-11    For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.  2  For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty,  3  how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4  God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.  5  For He did not subject to angels the world to come, concerning which we are speaking. 6  But one has testified somewhere, saying, "WHAT IS MAN, THAT YOU REMEMBER HIM? OR THE SON OF MAN, THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT HIM? 7  "YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS; YOU HAVE CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY AND HONOR, AND HAVE APPOINTED HIM OVER THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS;  8  YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET." For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him. 9  But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. 10  For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. 11  For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren...”

My Prayer:
Thank you, O God, for Your great salvation given in Jesus.  In a busy, whirling world of multi-tasking and information overload, teach us and help us to pay attention.  May we put first things first, O Lord.  Help us to set our minds on things above, as opposed to the worldly chase.   May Christ’s death for us permeate our minds and hearts, and provide motivation fit for adopted children.  We praise You and thank You for grace, mercy and love beyond our comprehension.  Father God, make good for us the “lively hope” You have given us.  We want to live with You forever.   In the name of our Savior,    Amen.