Faith In Jesus!

¹ And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God (holy, consecrated, set apart) and are partners (share) with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare (confess) to be God’s Messenger (Apostle) and High Priest. ² For He (Jesus) was faithful to God, who appointed Him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire house. ³ But Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a house deserves more praise than the house itself. ⁴ For every house has a builder, but the One who built everything is God. ⁵ Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant (minister). His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later (about Christ). ⁶ But Christ (Messiah), as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ…. ¹² Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God…. ¹⁴ For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Hebrews 3:1-6, 12, 14 (NLT)

The living LORD God is the Father of our Savior Jesus Christ (e.g., see Matthew 14:33; Matthew 16:17; Luke 1:31-32, 35; Luke 22:70; John 20:31; 1 Corinthians 8:6). Jesus’ title as God’s Son was confirmed by the living God empowering His Son with the Holy Spirit and empowering Jesus with powerful miracles, wonders, signs, and good deeds (e.g., see Luke 24:19; John 3:2; Acts 2:22; Acts 10:38). Then, our Savior Jesus was handed over to wicked religious and Roman leaders by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and Jesus was unjustly sentenced and crucified to death on Calvary’s cross (e.g., see Isaiah 53:10; Matthew 16:21; Luke 24:20; Acts 2:23; Acts 3:13, 18). Importantly, the living God’s confirmed Jesus as His Son by raising Jesus from complete death and exalting Him to the place of highest honor in heaven, at His right hand (e.g., see Acts 2:24, 32-33; Acts 3:15; Acts 4:10; Romans 1:3-4). Therefore, the living God has made His Son Jesus to be both Lord and Messiah (e.g., see Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36; Romans 14:9).

Significantly, the LORD God declares everyone holy, righteous, and forgiven through belief and faith in His Son Jesus’ sacrificial death and precious blood for our sins (Hebrews 3:1; see also Isaiah 53:10-12; Romans 3:24-25; Romans 5:1-2; Colossians 1:13-14; Hebrews 2:11; Hebrews 10:10, 14, 29; Hebrews 13:12). Everyone who wholeheartedly listens, accepts, and obeys Jesus’ message is adopted into God’s family, receive God’s blessed Spirit, and will never taste eternal death (e.g., see Proverbs 8:32; Luke 8:19-21; Luke 11:28; John 5:24; John 8:51; John 14:21; Galatians 3:26; James 1:22).

Therefore, the unknown author of Hebrews repeatedly encourages ALL people to continually, faithfully, and wholeheartedly love, trust, and obey the LORD God and His Son Jesus Christ, and produce good deeds and not evil (Hebrews 3:1, 6, 12-14; e.g., Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 6:9-12; Hebrews 10:23; Hebrews 12:1-2). Amazingly, the message of trusting and obeying the living God and doing good and not evil is a repeated message not only in the book of Hebrews but also throughout the Holy Scriptures (e.g., Psalm 37:3, 5; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 26:4; Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 13:23; Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 1:10). Our wholehearted trust and obedience in the living God and His Son Jesus brings God’s blessings, necessities, and salvation (e.g., see Psalm 115:9-11; Proverbs 16:3; Matthew 6:33; Luke 8:15; John 15:5; Hebrews 10:35-39).

The loving and faithful LORD God sent His Son Jesus the Messiah (Christ) as His Messenger and great High Priest to declare His message, love, and salvation to ALL people (Hebrews 3:1, 6; e.g., see also Luke 4:18; John 3:15-17; John 20:21; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:15; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Peter 5:7). As High Priest, Jesus Christ intercedes for faithful believers with His Father the living God (e.g., see Luke 22:31-32; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1). Some biblical translations call Jesus the LORD God’s Apostle, meaning “the One sent from God” (e.g., see John 3:17, 34; John 17:2-3).

During His public ministry, Jesus repeatedly spoke of Himself as having been sent into the world by His Father, the living LORD God (e.g., see Matthew 10:40; Mark 9:37; John 4:34; John 5:24, 30, 36-38; John 6:38). Thus, Jesus is the supreme Apostle, the One from whom all other apostleship flows (see also John 6:29, 57; John 7:29; John 8:42; John 10:36; John 11:42; John 13:3).  As an Apostle, Jesus was continually faithful and obedient to the living LORD God (Hebrews 3:1; see also e.g., John 4:34; John 14:31). Therefore, the living LORD God appointed His Son Jesus as our great High Priest over His house – God’s people, just as Moses faithfully served God’s house (Hebrews 3:1-2, 5; see also Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 10:21; 1 Peter 2:4-5).

Both Moses and the Lord Jesus were sent by the LORD God to lead His people – one from Egyptian bondage (see Exodus 3:7-10) and One from bondage from the evil one (see Hebrews 2:14-15). Like Jesus, Moses was God’s faithful servant and steward (Hebrews 3:2, 5; Hebrews 10:7, 9; see also Exodus 40:16; Numbers 12:7; Deuteronomy 34:10-12). Moses courageously led the ancient Israelites from Egyptian slavery with God’s help by great signs, wonders, and mighty acts (e.g., see Exodus 14:31; Deuteronomy 4:34; Deuteronomy 34:11-12). Also, Moses was a great prophet of God that proclaimed to Israel God’s message (e.g., see Deuteronomy 34:10, 12; Joshua 14:6). Moreover, Moses gave the people God’s book of the covenant which included the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai (e.g., see Exodus 19:1-23:19). Many biblical scholars believe Moses authored the first five books of the Old Testament. Because of his obedience and faithfulness, the LORD God spoke to Moses face to face (e.g., see Exodus 33:11; Numbers 7:89; Numbers 12:8; Deuteronomy 34:11). However, Moses was only a servant or minister of God (Hebrews 3:2-3, 5; see also Joshua 1:1-2).

The author of Hebrews repeatedly reminds everyone that the Lord Jesus Christ has far greater glory, superiority, and honor than Moses (see Hebrews 3:3). First, the Lord Jesus Christ is God, and He is the living LORD God’s faithful and only begotten Son (Hebrews 3:3, 6; see also e.g., Matthew 16:16; Mark 1:1; John 1:1-5, 14, 18; John 20:30-31; Colossians 1:15, 19; Hebrews 1:2-3, 5, 8, 10). Furthermore, Jesus Christ is our great King, Savior, Deliverer, and Redeemer (e.g., see Matthew 1:21; Matthew 2:2; Matthew 21:5; Matthew 27:37; Luke 2:10-11; John 1:49). Even more, Jesus was faithful to God and to His Father’s will (e.g., see Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 5:7-10; Hebrews 12:1-3).

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Builder and Heir of God’s house whereas Moses was simply part of God’s house. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe; for by Him, the living LORD God “made the worlds” (Hebrews 3:3-4; see also Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2-3, 10). The living LORD God along with His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit made everything in heaven and on earth (Hebrews 3:3-4; see also Genesis 1:1-3; Genesis 14:19; Nehemiah 9:6; Isaiah 40:28; Acts 17:24; Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 4:11).

As such, the living God has appointed His Son Jesus with complete charge and authority over heaven and earth, His Kingdom, and His household – God’s faithful people (Hebrews 3:2, 6; see also e.g., Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 11:27; Matthew 28:18; Luke 22:29-30; John 3:35; Hebrews 1:2). Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, which is God’s household (Hebrews 3:6; see also e.g., 1 Corinthians 3:16; Colossians 1:18, 24), and Lord of all (e.g., Acts 2:36; Romans 1:3-4; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 1:22-23; Philippians 2:9-10; Hebrews 1:2). All faithful and obedient believers of Jesus Christ – whether black, white, young, old, Jew or Gentile – are God’s household and God’s children (e.g., see Luke 8:19-21; John 1:12-13).

Because Jesus’ Lordship and Sonship, the Holy Spirit warns and counsels everyone to faithfully listen to and obey Him from our whole hearts and not turn away our hope, confidence, and love in Him (Hebrews 3:6-8, 15; see also John 12:37). The author of Hebrews quoted from Psalm 95 with the story of the exodus generation’s rebellion to remind believers today to remain wholeheartedly faithful and obedient to the living God and His Son Jesus (e.g., see Psalm 95:7-11; 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11).

Sadly, the ancient Israelites leaving Egyptian bondage were unfaithful, rebellious, and disobedient towards Jesus’ Father, the living LORD God, and God’s righteous commands (Hebrews 3:8, 16-19; see also Numbers 14:1-4; Deuteronomy 1:26-40). These ancients Israelites personally witnessed God’s Presence, glory, and power after God’s great deliverance from Egyptian slavery and in the wilderness (e.g., Numbers 14:13, 22; Deuteronomy 4:33-34; Deuteronomy 26:8). Yet, these ancient Israelites responded to God’s grace and glory with repeated complaints, disobedience to God’s authority, and ignored God’s love and provision (Hebrews 3:8-9; see also Exodus 17:5-7; Numbers 11:1-4; Numbers 14:11, 22-23; Deuteronomy 1:32; Deuteronomy 9:23; Psalm 78:22, 32).

The author of Hebrews was not exaggerating when he wrote that the Israelites had repeatedly failed to trust and obey the living God (see Hebrews 3:8-9). For instance, these ancient Israelites complained against the living God at the Red Sea after His deliverance from Egyptian slavery (see Exodus 14:11-12). Also, the ancient Israelites grumbled against the living God for lack of water at Marah and Rephidim (see Exodus 15:23-24, Exodus 17:1-3). Moreover, the ancient Israelites tested God by grumbling against God’s heavenly bread (manna) and quail (see Exodus 16:2-3, 11-15; Numbers 11:4-9). Even worse, the ancient Israelites looked to other gods (idolatry) instead of wholeheartedly loving and worshipping the living God only (Hebrews 3:10; see also Exodus 32:1-10). Then finally on the border of God’s Promised Land at Kadesh Barnea, the ancient Israelites became overcome with fear and did not trust in God’s power and glory (see Numbers 13:27-29, 32-33; Numbers 14:1-4, 10-11; Deuteronomy 1:19-21).

Because of Israel’s disobedience and unfaithfulness, the living God became very anger against those ancient Israelites who tested God’s patience and they never received God’s spiritual rest and died in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:10-11; see also Deuteronomy 1:34-35; Hebrews 4:3, 5). Sadly, these ancient Israelites delivered from Egyptian slavery did not trust and obey God for His blessings and deliverance (e.g., see Psalm 78:22; Psalm 106:24). In other words, these ancient Israelites did not truly trust and believe the Almighty God could protect and provide! Instead of finding God’s spiritual rest, inheritance, and blessings, these disobedient and rebellious people found God’s wrath and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years (Hebrews 3:9-11, 17-18; see also Numbers 14:20-23, 29-30, 33; Deuteronomy 1:34-35; Psalm 106:26; Acts 7:36; 1 Corinthians 10:5; Jude 1:5). These ancient Israelites went backward in unbelief and fear instead of forward by faith and trust in the living God.

Yet two individuals – Caleb and Joshua – illustrated the heart-holiness and faithfulness that God requires (Hebrews 3:6; see also Numbers 13:30; Numbers 14:6-10, 24; Deuteronomy 1:34-38). Caleb and Joshua honored and believed the living Almighty God for His provision and deliverance (e.g., Numbers 14:6-9). Because of Caleb and Joshua’s faithfulness and belief in the living God, they both entered God’s Promised Land (e.g., see Numbers 14:29-30, 38). However, all the other ancient Israelites living Egyptian bondage over the age of twenty died in the wilderness and never entered God’s Promised Land (see Numbers 14:26-38; Deuteronomy 1:34-35). As a life lesson, the author of Hebrews warns everyone that our rebellion (see Hebrews 3:16), sin (see Hebrews 3:17), disobedience (see Hebrews 3:18), and unbelief (see Hebrews 3:19) to the living God and His Son Jesus remove God’s heart peace and spiritual rest and bring God’s wrath and discontentment (Hebrews 3:18-19; see also John 3:36; Hebrews 4:6). Consequently, the living LORD God in His righteous anger closed the doors to His Promised Land to those who rebelled, sins, and disobeyed Him (see Numbers 14:21-35; Numbers 32:7-11; Psalm 106:24-26).

Therefore, the author of Hebrews warns everyone to patiently stay focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, turn away from evil and unbelief, and live a life of obedience and goodness to God through His Son Jesus Christ (Hebrews 3:1, 12-13; see also Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 10:23-24; Hebrews 10:35-39; Hebrews 12:1-2). Our obedience, endurance, and faithfulness to God through His Son Jesus Christ brings our eternal salvation and blessings (e.g., see Matthew 13:23). Those who are faithful and obedient to the living God and His moral commands will find the path to God’s glory (e.g., see Luke 8:15). If we are wholeheartedly faithful and obedient to the living God and His Son Jesus to the end, then we will share in God’s glory, spiritual rest, and eternal life (Hebrews 3:6, 14; see also Luke 8:8, 15; Hebrews 6:11-12; 10:23, 35-39).

Amazingly, as we faithfully trust, hope, and cling to the living God, then the living God supernaturally by His Holy Spirit gives us the strength, empowerment, and enablement we need to sore and endure, despite any testing or hardship (e.g., see Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 40:29-31; Isaiah 41:10; John 16:33; Romans 5:3-5; Romans 8:31; 1 Corinthians 1:8; Hebrews 10:36; James 5:7). In other words, as we cling and trust in God (perseverance and persistence), the living God clings, saves, and blesses us (preservation and protection) (e.g., see John 10:27-29). Failure to persevere and persistent reveals that a person is not a child of God because perseverance and persistence are hallmarks of God’s faithful people (e.g., see Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13; Luke 8:4-15; Colossians 1:22-23; Hebrews 10:35-36). Focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ is the primary means of persevering in the faith (e.g., see Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 12:1-2). However, the author of Hebrews warns and cautions everyone that if you ignore and rebel against God’s ways of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, they will be subject to God’s wrath, unrest, and eternal punishment (Hebrews 3:15-16, 19; e.g., see also Matthew 13:20-22; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).

The living God graciously gives ALL people through our faith and obedience to His Son the Lord Jesus spiritual rest and peace (Hebrews 3:12-13; see also Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 10:23). The living God is immeasurably patient and loving (e.g., see Exodus 34:6; Psalm 86:15), and He welcomes EVERYONE who truly repents and confesses any sins (e.g., see Joel 2:13; Luke 24:47; Romans 2:4; 1 John 1:9). Whether rich, poor, young, old, prostitute or priest, the living LORD God wants everyone to trust and obey wholeheartedly and humbly in Him (Hebrews 3:10, 12, see also e.g., Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:15, 22-23, 27-32; Luke 18:9-14).

References

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – Old Testament (Victor Books, 1989).