Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Hebrews 1-4
Even though today we call him the “Father of our Country,” some of his contemporaries did not think that highly of George Washington. Washington’s father died when he was eleven. He had almost no formal education because his family could not afford the expense of school in an era without public education. He never visited Europe. John Adams arrogantly remarked that Washington was “too illiterate, unlearned, unread for his station and reputation.” He developed his mind through his own reading program. This “unlearned” American hero surprised the country. He burst into the spotlight of leadership by commanding a frontier militia at twenty-one years of age. He delivered an ultimatum to French forces pushing into English lands in the Ohio Valley.
Washington showed wisdom in what he expected for the country. He did not aim at power and expansion but rather independence. In his farewell address he expressed the hope that the country would have the time “to settle and mature its yet recent institutions and to progress without interruption to that degree of strength and consistency which is necessary to give it, the command of its own fortunes.” Many Americans did not expect greatness from President George Washington. His success surprised and impressed even his critics.
Hebrews addresses readers who respected the Old Testament prophets and angels. When we think about Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos,we must admit that the prophets were an impressive group. We aren’t surprised that some believers admired them, perhaps a bit too much. Some readers of Hebrews were also carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. As we talked about last night at church, some may have become angel worshipers. The author of Hebrews set out to remind them how important Jesus was. As George Washington had a role, the prophets and angels simply had a role in the amazing program of God.
The author of Hebrews emphasized that Jesus was better than the prophets. God had spoken through the prophets at many times and in various ways. When God spoke through Jesus, He revealed His Son as Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. Last night we learned that Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is better than the angels. The very name Son made Jesus superior to angels. The angels’ worship of Jesus showed His majesty. Jesus has a throne and loves righteousness. He is eternal and unchanging.
A Son and Ruler who eternally loved righteousness was more important than an angel who attended the needs of believers. Angels have the important role of caring for God’s servants (vs. 14), but we can’t compare their importance to that of Jesus.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to respect and honor people who faithfully carry out your will for your glory. But please help me keep heroes in their rightful place.
- Lord, please help me to give proper honor and respect to my Savior and Lord.
- Lord, please help me to exalt the program of God and be faithful to perform the roles You have given to me.
Political
- Representative Isaac Robinson – District 4 – Hamtramck
- Senator Jim Runestad – District 15 – White Lake Twp.
- Representative Terry Sabo – District 92 – Muskegon