Advent 2024: No Reputation--A Christmas Meditation

A few years ago I posted this little meditation on Christmas, and as I read through it today I realized that I needed to hear it again. It is easy in our society today to be a bit too full of ourselves, to think a bit more highly of ourselves than we ought, . . . but I am quickly coming to the conclusion that that is not the Spirit of Christmas, and it certainly was NOT the Spirit of Christ. Bear with me, if you will, while I contemplate what it means to have no reputation as a follower of Messiah.  

Philippians 2:5-8 HCSB

"Make your own attitude that of Messiah Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage.  Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death-- even to death on a cross."

This passage may not usually be associated with Christmas, but it describes in a straightforward manner the Incarnation of God in Jesus the Messiah. Look closely at the passage above, then read the quote from The Jesus Style by Gayle D. Erwin below.

“Christ Jesus . . . made himself nothing.

 “He made himself nothing, he emptied himself—-the great kenosis. He made himself no reputation, no image.

 “I can recall my father shaking his head and repeating over and over to himself, ‘If only I knew what this meant. There is something powerful here. If I only understood it.’ Maybe that is why this Scripture has glued itself to my mind and equally disturbs me. Reputation is so important to me. I want to be seen with the right people, remembered in the right light, advertised with my name spelled right, live in the right neighborhood, drive the right kind of car, wear the right kind of clothing. But Jesus made himself of no reputation.”

Christmas means lots of things to lots of different people.

For some it becomes a political event that pits “the true meaning of Christmas” against a bias towards religion. For others Christmas is just another time to visit families and to pretend to get along with each other. For others Christmas is a season that involves incredible profits (or expenses) and lots of activities. For still others Christmas is simply a winter break, a time to regroup for a new year.

I know I’ve left some groups out in that all-too-brief description! One group is comprised of those who see Christmas as the celebration of the birth of the world’s Savior and the Incarnation of God. I want to twist the prism a bit and look at Christmas from a slightly different angle.

Almost all of the views above look at Christmas from the perspective of what humans gain from the season. I wonder if we can look at the season as something we can offer to others, a "gift" of sorts. I wonder, can we make a gift of Christmas? Can we this year find a way to give the "spirit" of Christmas to those around us?

Hear me out . . .

This passage from Philippians reminds me that Christmas for Jesus wasn’t about what he would gain.  In fact, he lost just about everything! He left the comfort of his Father’s place; he became a tottering, dribbling little baby; he had to learn to talk, to walk, to eat; he left his riches behind for the starkness of a feeding trough; and ultimately he would even take on the sin of and die for humanity even though he was innocent. Remember, "dead" and "sin" were two things the Son of God had not experienced before in his eternal existence. 

As Paul says, he made himself of no reputation.

Imagine what Christmas would be like this year if those of us who follow Jesus would do as Paul admonishes here and have this approach to the season. Imagine if we actually attempted to have the same attitude towards others that Jesus has towards us! What would Christmas look like if we didn’t care about what we got out of it but became more concerned about what we could give to others? How would our world change if we laid down our lives . . . our reputations . . . our desires in order to bless others this Christmas? What if we even went further and did it anonymously, with no expectation of reward or recognition?

Ronald Reagan (among others) is credited with saying something like: “There is no telling what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” We don’t like that approach though, do we? We kick against it! I mean, we deserve to be recognized, don’t we? All too often, we are full of "I" problems as we drone on and on about individual accomplishments or seek after individual acclaim for our actions. "I did this" and "I did that" and "Look at me" often occupy too much of our focus. Like toddlers, often we just want to be noticed, don't we?

We came up with the idea that made the company money, shouldn’t we be rewarded? Maybe we found a problem and fixed it, and that fix saved someone’s job. Shouldn’t we be shown gratitude? Maybe we did some kindness for someone we knew couldn’t pay us back, . . . shouldn’t we get credit for that? We gave that money to charity, shouldn't someone say "thank you"? We gave of your time to that charitable organization, shouldn't there be some "benefit" in it for us?

Don’t we all think that we should be center stage, center of the world, the most important person in the world? How many times have we heard “I quit going to that church because MY needs weren’t being met”?

No reputation.

Let that sink in.

NO Reputation!

No fame, no credit, no automatic acceptance, no celebrities, and no place where who you know or what you know earns you admittance or recognition. That requires true humility!

Jesus made himself of no reputation; he humbled himself. The very God of the universe became nobody. He emptied himself, he became a servant. As Isaiah said, he was not handsome or attractive in such a way as to draw attention to himself. He lived to give attention only to God. Jesus was truly humble.  He had "no reputation."   

Ouch!

We love our awards, the acceptance of others, the glamour of being “somebody,” or the wonderful happiness of fame, don’t we? We like to be recognized, remembered, acknowledged, accepted, and celebrated.

“Don’t neglect me” or "It's all about me" could be the slogans of our world.

The motto of Christ followers should be “No reputation.” God chooses such people to further his agenda. Will we be involved, or do we like our perks too much?

In Job 1, Satan appears in God's court. God acknowledges the good job done by Job, and asks Satan if he has noticed what a righteous person Job has become. Satan's response is a tough challenge: "Does Job fear God for nothing?"

Think about what the evil one is implying here. He is asking, "Will a human serve God with no expectation of something in return?"

Will humans serve God for nothing?

That hurts, doesn't it? Even the mere thought of it as a possibility smarts a bit. Surely the mighty God of the universe wouldn't expect us to show him respect and serve his purposes without expectation of payment for services rendered, right?

Can we humble ourselves to the point where we realize that God owes us nothing? Quite literally, we have done nothing to merit a reward from him. Even our service is a response to his continued mercy.

Will we, like Christ, humble ourselves to the point of no reputation? Are we willing to be "nobodies" in God's service, among his people, even among those who ought to "recognize" us?

What would Christmas look like this year if we (all of us) decided to give with no expectation of return? What if we humbled ourselves and expected no acknowledgment? What if we chose to serve anonymously and to bless others without receiving a blessing in return? What would happen?

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer says in God is in the Manger: 

“Who among us will celebrate Christmas correctly? Whoever finally lays down all power, all honor, all reputation, all vanity, all arrogance, all individualism beside the manger; whoever remains lowly and lets God alone be high; whoever looks at the child in the manger and sees the glory of God precisely in his lowliness.”

Tish Harrison Warren reminds us further:

"Christ's ordinary years are part of our redemption story. Because of the incarnation and those long, unrecorded years of Jesus' life, our small, normal lives matter. If Christ was a carpenter, all of us who are in Christ find that our work is sanctified and made holy. If Christ spent time in obscurity, then there is infinite worth found in obscurity...There is no task too small or too routine to reflect God's glory and worth."

What can you do this Christmas season that will bless others and produce no reputation for you? Who can you serve that can't repay you? This year let's commit ourselves to serving, giving, and loving as Christ did. Let's look for opportunities to bless others in a way that does not give us recognition.  Instead of asking for things for ourselves, let's give to the needs of others. Instead of expecting gifts, let's give our lives away in blessing others.

How would that change Christmas in your neighborhood?

Thanks for reading!

What it means to Burn: A Repost

 Today I was reading through some old posts, and I came across one from a few years ago that caused me to stop and to think. I wrote this note as I was preparing to teach on the book of Hebrews at Liberty, and the thoughts below strike me as especially helpful during these days. As we consider all the good things and blessings we have received, let us also think of ways we can show our gratitude by giving back. Let us strive to be like Jesus and to serve humbly those around us. What do we need to put on the altar today to let God consume? Where do I need the fire of God in my life? I hope this repeat blesses you!

As I sit here in my comfortable home reading the book of Hebrews in the New Testament, I am listening to Caedmon's Call. I am struck by the honesty and character of some of the lyrics. The interesting mixture of the admonitions of Hebrews with the alternative/folk feel of Caedmon's Call has put me in quite the introspective mood. Before I go any further, then, I want to quote for you the song "Coming Home," written by Aaron Tate and copyrighted by Cumbee Road Music in 1994. Here ya go!

You say you want a living sacrifice
Well here I am a burnt offering
Crawling off the altar
And back into the fire

And with my smoke-filled lungs
I cry out for freedom
While locking and chaining myself
To my rotting desires

And I hate the stench
But I swallow the key
And with it stuck in my throat
Can you hear me
Can you hear me

(Chorus)
I'm coming home. I'm coming home.
I'm coming home. I'm coming home.
But I'm still a long way off

I am shell shocked and I have walked
Through the trenches full of tears
With the mortars of memory
Exploding in my burning ears

You've stripped the trees of Lebanon
And now you're stripping me
Of the bark of false morality
The bite of selfish greed
Lord, can you hear me

(Chorus)
I'm coming home. I'm coming home.
I'm coming home. I'm coming home.
But I'm still a long way off

Will you run to me
Will you come to me
Will you meet me
Will you greet me
Will you drag me home
Cause I'm still a long way off

(Chorus)
I'm coming home. I'm coming home.
I'm coming home. I'm coming home.
But I'm still a long way off

I guess the reason that this song struck me today is the imagery of fire. Fire plays a role in the letter to the Hebrews.

God is depicted as a burning fire.

There is a bit of discussion about the altar and sacrifices aflame.

Even Christ is depicted as a type of burnt offering offered on our behalf outside of the city--the same place where the author of Hebrews wants us to join Christ so that we can endure the abuse that he suffered.

Why? Because our God is a consuming fire.

What does fire consume? It consumes anything that is not like it. God will also consume those things in us that do not correspond to his character. That is why we are admonished to "Strive for peace with all people, and for the holiness without which no one will see God."

The song above reminds me of these things. We are on an altar whether we like it or not. We are either on the altar of God (allowing the non-God aspects to be burnt away and changed into his likeness), or we are on the altar of our own selfishness (burning away with our own deceit and sinful wishes). Like Aaron Tate points out, we crawl off the altar of God into the fire itself. We cry out for freedom while chaining ourselves to our own rotting and despicable desires.

We are on fire. We are burning.

What are we burning and why are we burning?

Many of us burn for all the wrong reasons--we are aflame with our own passions and desires, pursuing things that not only will not satisfy, but that will scar us forever if we continue to make ourselves a sacrifice to stuff. We look for stuff to fill the hole in the seat of our beings, we strive to come to wholeness through means that will not make us whole--we try to make ourselves something we are not, we try to obtain possessions that we do not need, we spend and are spent pursuing more stuff that not only clog our homes but clog our spiritual and physical veins and keep us from living our lives as God intended.

We can also burn for the right reasons--we can give ourselves over to a life of sacrifice or selfless living that puts the needs of others before our own desires and wishes. We may be aflame with a love that desires the best of God's blessings for our neighbors. We burn in God's presence so that we may lose anything that is not of God and gain Christ as "all that is really important." It is not an easy place to be, being consumed until only God is left. Nonetheless, such a place is necessary if we are to live a life abundant.

Let us come to God's consuming fire to be purified, to receive the delicious grace of God in Christ, to find all our rotting desires removed and transformed. If not, we are merely burning on our own waste.

Hebrews 10:31, 39
"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. . . . But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and keep their souls."

Thanks for reading!

Sermon: Grow Up, Learn, Discern Hebrews 5:11-14

 A couple of years ago I preached a sermon series entitled "Look to Jesus" at Forest Community Church. This sermon comes from Hebrews 5:11-14 and is entitled "Grow Up, Learn, Discern." I will post the sermon notes below as well as a link to the video. Please be aware that the video may not completely line up to the notes below. We had some announcements before the sermon, so the sermon itself starts around the 3:00 mark on the video. Thank you for watching and reading!

Video: Sermon Hebrews 5:11-14

Hebrews Series: Look to Jesus  

Hebrews 5:11-14—Grow Up, Learn, Discern  

Intro: The language of Hebrews shows a decided interest in the words “hearing” and “obedience.” There is a very close relationship between hearing God’s voice and obeying God’s commands. In Greek the words “hear” and “obey” are even related. The point seems to be that obedience demands attentive or responsive listening. Learn Obedience Like Jesus.

The author of Hebrews utilized Psalm 95 and the incident at Kadesh Barnea to drive this point home to his readers. Behind the formulation of Psalm 95:7-11 stands the insight that listening and obedience are related aspects of faith. Reluctance to listen and disobedience are related aspects of unbelief. Listen and obey is the goal.

Hebrews 5:1-10 reminded us that Jesus listened and obeyed (remember, he “learned obedience;” the reference here to learning and obeying is similar to the expectation the author has for his readers). Jesus actively obeyed God when he offered himself for us. He experienced fully the significance of obedience. It is as the “Obedient One” that he has been exalted (5:9). He is God’s Final Word—the final and complete Revelation of God—he is the one to whom we must listen and obey. We need to learn obedience.

The insight that obedience begins with attentive listening is essential to understanding Hebrews 5:11-6:20. The author of Hebrews has introduced Jesus as a priest after the order of Melchizedek, but before continues that line of thought he must deal with problems in his church. He thinks that his friends are no longer listening to the voice of God as revealed through Jesus, the final Word of God. They are acting as immature people, and they need to grow up. In 5:11, he mentions that they have become hard or dull or sluggish in their hearing. The development of a hearing problem is a significant danger for men and women who are called to obey God. The close proximity of 5:9 to 5:11 underscores the importance of attentive listening as a prerequisite of obeying God. Starting with 5:11, the author now introduces the central division of his sermon. He encourages his readers to grow up, to learn, and to discern.

Hebrews 5:11-6:20 serve as the preparation of the congregation for the rest of the sermon. This section consists of two major sections: 5:11-6:12—the peril of spiritual immaturity; 6:13-20—a basis for steadfastness. The author offers two possibilities—promise or peril. “They may expose themselves to extreme peril by closing their ears to God, or they may find a basis for stability by listening to the voice of God as expressed through oath and promise.” Bill Lane, Hebrews: A Call to Commitment

This section can be divided into four paragraphs with alternating tones: Paragraph 1 (5:11-14)—pessimistic; Paragraph 2 (6:1-3)—optimistic; Paragraph 3 (6:4-8)—pessimistic; Paragraph 4 (6:9-12)—optimistic. This alternation is the author’s way of trying to motivate his readers by warning and encouraging them. He is calling them to attentive listening and obedience in spite of the possible dire circumstances of their future. Our focus today is on the first pessimistic section—Read Hebrews 5:11-14

Here the author admonishes his people to grow up, to learn, and to discern. He reminds them that growing up requires practice. Failure to practice causes immaturity. Point 1—Age Alone doesn’t produce maturity/the marks of immaturity; Point 2—Maturity comes by constant obedience/practice.

Point 1—vv. 11-12: Age Alone Does Not Produce Maturity—the marks of immaturity (Growing Up takes Practice): This pessimistic section starts with a confrontation (5:11). The members of the church who received this sermon have grown “sluggish” or “slow to learn.” They are not keeping pace with their situation. There may even be a serious erosion of faith and hope within the congregation. The lack is not due to time or growth. In fact, the author notes that “by now” they should be teachers—people mature enough in the faith to help others understand (5:12). Instead, they had regressed to point where they needed someone to teach them “again” the fundamentals (i.e., the ABC’s) of the faith—they needed milk, not meat (i.e., they have become infantile). They had learned these things before, but due to their sluggishness in hearing and obeying they needed some to go over their lessons with them again.

Ray Stedman (Hebrews, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series): “Immaturity is self-identifying. It has certain clear marks which provide a simple test that anyone can take to determine whether he belongs in this classification or not. There is an inability to instruct others.” 

Immaturity is costly too. Our author will spell this out more in chapter 6, but here he reminds his readers that stunted growth is NOT healthy and is in fact deadly. If we aren’t growing in maturity, we are languishing in the arrested development of immaturity. We need to move forward, we need to be mature, we need to be teachers of each other.

These individuals had received a rich exposure to God’s Truth, and yet they had regressed to being infants. The author is telling them that they must resume their responsibilities as adults. They cannot remain in an infantile stage in their hostile society. To remain immature will cost them dearly, they must move to maturity. They must grow up, but to do so requires learning and discernment. They must practice to grow up.

Point 2—vv. 13-14: Maturity Requires Practice—we must learn to discern, and to do that we must OBEY. With biting irony, the author addresses his audience as though they were on a “milk diet” instead of on a steady diet of adult food (5:13-14). They are “inexperienced in the word of righteousness.”

What is the reference to this “word of righteousness”? To what do these words refer?  Right speech; Moral actions; Proper theology; General teachings of Christianity; Instructions about Christian righteousness; teaching about Messiah (and his righteousness). Bill Lane (Hebrews: A Call to Commitment) thinks it may refer to instruction that stresses the cost and responsibilities of discipleship. Lane notes that the phrase is used with regards to persecution (in some cases—Polycarp). The phrase may be a technical reference of some sort. Lane states “The expression ‘word of righteousness’ signifies instruction concerning a willingness to experience martyrdom.” He uses Polycarp as a model (Cf. Mark 8:34-38).

Perhaps the members of this church were recoiling at the possibility of martyrdom due to persecution or the coming crisis. That is, they were still paralyzed by the fear of death (Heb. 2:15). Their regression to spiritual immaturity is a response to a life-threatening situation. The “adult” Christian recognizes the moral claim of God on his or her life even if it exposes the Christian to possible death. This is the situation that sets up our next major warning passage in Hebrews 6.

Conclusion:

If we no longer want to be immature, how we may clearly identify our arrested spiritual development and correct it? Are we concerned to consider the serious consequences of this immaturity?

Are we on milk or solid food? The babes who desire only mild doctrinal study are immature, whereas the mature desire solid food. Are we feasting on the Word of God, or do we go to listen only to what you already know. Is there a passion not for the religious fads, but for Christ and a greater knowledge of Him? How do we grow up? How do we mature in the Christian life? We grow by the use and frequent study of the Bible. We study it and meditate on it and put it into daily practice. Luther: “I study my Bible as I gather apples.  First, I shake the whole tree that the ripest might fall.  Then I shake each limb, and when I have shaken each limb, I shake each branch.  Then I look under every leaf.” We need the solid food of God’s Word. We must read it and obey it. We must put it into practice. Get into the Word of God. All spiritual progress is made by putting into practice what you already have received. Manna not eaten breeds worms. Milk undigested turns sour. This week read the following: Jeremiah 32; Psalm 91; Amos 6; 1 Timothy 6; Luke 16.

Are we teaching others? These Hebrews had been converted long enough to be ministering to others. Instead of teaching and making disciples, they need someone to teach them and to disciple them. They are so spiritually dull they need someone to teach them the same truths over and over again. They have no interest in hearing and obeying God. When we make ourselves available to God the Holy Spirit equips us to teach others. He nurtures us so we can build up others (Ephesians 4). We need to be sowing the truth God has taught us into the lives of other people. To be mature, we must ALL be teachers giving from our increase to others. This week write down a list of the things God has taught you in the past few months. Then make a point to share that list with someone else. Put obedience to your hearing!

Finally, walk in truth. This week obey God as he makes his desire known. Listen to him and then obey what you hear. Grow Up, Learn, Discern.

Sermon: Learn Obedience--The Road to Humility, Hebrews 5:1-10

I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at a church here in Forest, VA. A couple of years ago I did a series on Hebrews entitled "Look to Jesus." This particular sermon is called "Learn Obedience--the Road to Humility" and covers Hebrews 5:1-10. You can find the notes/outline below (NOTE: the video posted may not follow the notes exactly!). Here is the video link: Hebrews 5:1-10. There are announcements prior to the sermon which begins around 3:00 on the timer. 

Learn Obedience: The Road to Humility, Hebrews 5:1-10

Intro: The first 10 verses of chapter 5 seem to go best with the last 3 verses of chapter 4. At the end of chapter 4, our author introduces us to the idea of Jesus as our “great” high priest who has passed through the heavens. The idea here is that Jesus didn’t simply pause at the “Holiest place,” but rather that he went all the way through to the immediate and unfiltered presence of his Father. Since he is in that position, we then have an amazing opportunity to come to God’s throne of grace with boldness. (Don’t harden your heart; strive to enter God’s rest; nothing is hidden from God). In other words, we have a seat at God’s table due to Jesus’ service as our great high priest. Because of Jesus’ role as high priest, we have mercy and find grace to help in our times of need; we can come boldly to God’s presence (like a child to a parent—frankness of speech). Jesus is the means by which we receive mercy and help when we are helpless or attacked. He is our access to God (Romans 5:1). Our author now begins to examine Jesus as our high priest and how that should influence our response of faithfulness to God’s faithful word. This introduction of Jesus as a “great” high priest causes the author to consider some issues related to the high priestly office. Verses 1-10 discuss these issues. These verses are evenly divided between a focus on the role of the Levitical priesthood and the role of Jesus as our high priest appointed by God. The focus is, of course, on humility. In this respect, Christ is thoroughly qualified to be our high priest.

The key thought is simple: if we want to learn humility, we must first learn to obey. Learning obedience is the road to humility. Our author spells that out in these 10 verses by showing how one’s appointment should lead to obedience, and obedience leads to humility. Let’s take a look at Hebrews 5:1-10.

Point 1: Levitical Priests—Appointed by God to be Obedient (vv. 1-5). High priests were appointed by God to learn obedience and to serve humbly. The appointment of the OT priests was pretty straightforward. Verses 1-5 explore the basic qualifications for the high priest. The high priest originates from among the people. He represents the people before God. He ought to be humble because he is sinful. This weakness enables him to have compassion, and he offers sacrifice for himself as well as others. God calls or appoints the high priest. No human “calls” himself to this position. It is God-appointed and God-ordained. Why? God wants the priest to realize that the power of this ministry comes from God and not from human ability.

The first three verses reveal some interesting (and maybe novel) understandings of the high priesthood. The high priest is chosen from among the people, and that appointment shows to some degree the high priest’s solidarity with his tribe and people. In other words, it is no “stranger” who represents the people before God. It is one of them--someone from their own people. This is particularly clear in verse 3 where it seems that the Day of Atonement sacrifice is considered. He is one of them ethnically, but he is also one of them in sin. He too needs purification from sin. 

Verse 2 is a bit odd in describing the high priest as “humble” or even aware of his own shortcomings. This statement has no clear parallel in other Jewish writings in the first century. Typically the high priest’s exalted status is praised but not his humility. The reference to the high priest’s gentleness or weakness may stem from the author’s reflections on Jesus in 4:14-16. He may be indicating, then, what the high priesthood “ought” to be. The high priest’s own weaknesses should cause him to moderate his justified anger or displeasure at the sins of the people. In fact, he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as for those of his people. He was not “without sin.” As a result, he should have compassion on others. The high priest should be humble also because he does not “choose” his position; he is chosen to it.

The high priest is appointed to do what God has asked him to do. It is a role of obedience. The ritual, the sacrifices, almost every aspect of the high priestly ministry requires the individual human to respond with obedience to the instruction of God. This obedience is a road to humility as it reminds the high priest that God is the focus. It is not about what the high priest desires. It is not about the high priest’s position, prestige, or power. It is about doing what God has required. It is subsuming human pride to God’s will. It is submission. Philippians 2:5-8 exemplifies this idea of obedience as humility. The present age worships prestige, position, and power, but the kingdom of heaven esteems humility, service, and selfless living.  Can people tell to which we belong? Let’s look to Jesus as the model we should seek to emulate.

The priests of the OT were appointed by God to obedience and to humility, but they didn’t always learn obedience as they should. On the other hand, God sent a Son who would never fail to obey as God intended. God appointed his Son as a high priest to set the standard for human maturity and for human life. We are appointed by God to learn obedience, but the standard is Jesus the Messiah, God’s only Son, the only one of his kind. Learning obedience is the road to humility, and Jesus shows us what that looks like.

Point 2: Jesus as Priest—Appointed by God to Learn Obedience (vv. 6-10). These five verses remind us that Jesus (although a Son of God) is appointed as a high priest, and that this appointment led to his learning obedience. Jesus’ humility is the key to his obedience. Let’s look at vv. 6-10.

The depiction of the high priest’s “humility” is the transition to our author’s discussion of a comparison between Aaron and Jesus. This comparison is not as explicit as the comparison to Moses earlier, but it is a comparison nonetheless. Like the comparison to Moses, Jesus stands in continuity and likeness to Aaron, but he also is superior to Aaron. Like Aaron, Jesus is appointed as a high priest. Unlike Aaron, Jesus is appointed to an eternal high priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4—this idea is dealt with in detail in Hebrews 7).

The primary proof that Jesus’ humility is a requirement for the office of high priest is exemplified in Scripture. Psalm 2:7 and 110:4 emphasize God’s declarative action. Jesus didn’t “put in” for a promotion, he was “appointed” by God himself. It was a declaration of appointment by God.

In this way our author now associates the words “Son” and “priest.” In 1:1-4:14, Jesus is depicted as the Son of God. In our current chapter the author begins to define Jesus’ role as high priest. There is a shift in emphasis here. The reference to Psalm 110:4 in Christian writing is unique to Hebrews. This Psalm armed our author with a biblical basis for his distinctively priestly portrayal of Jesus.

Verses 7-10 are confessional in nature and link Messiah’s humiliation (in death) and exaltation (in resurrection) to the theme of an appointment to priesthood. The idea here is that Jesus participated fully in the human experience. He was genuinely tested just as we are—he is in solidarity with us. (Remember, he was tempted in all ways as are we). These verses lay out in a summary an overview of Jesus’ earthly ministry in a striking formulation.

Dr. Lane offers three comments on the formulation of v. 7: First, when the author says that Jesus “offered” prayers and supplications, he uses a technical term that is often used to refer to the offering of sacrifices. That is, he sees Jesus’ prayer ministry as sacrificial. This may not be a reference to Gethsemane or Golgotha, but to the totality of Jesus’ high priestly office. Second, the phrase “he was heard” may be equal to saying that Jesus’ offering was accepted by God. Third, Jesus’ passion is described in its entirety as a priestly prayer. The reference to “cries and tears” describes prayer in a time of crisis. Verse 8 then describes the new dimension of Sonship Jesus entered by virtue of his incarnation and sacrificial death. Jesus “learned” obedience by what he suffered.

In verse 8, the word “to suffer” is used to refer to the Passion of Jesus (i.e., “to die”) as in the rest of the book of Hebrews. He “suffered death” (Hebrews 2:9—“tasted” death), and this has reference to Jesus’ unique redemptive sufferings endured in his high priestly office. In the statement that Jesus “learned obedience from what he suffered,” the term “obedience” has a specific meaning. It signifies obedience to the call to suffer death in accordance with the revealed will of God. He was appointed to die.

The eternal Son of God was appointed to suffer death. In vv. 9-10, the idea of “made perfect” refers to God’s validation of Jesus’ perfect obedience as the priestly representative of his people. Jesus showed “maturity” in submitting to God even to the point of death. He was “mature” or “perfect” or “made valid” as our sacrifice by his obedience even to the point of death. His high priestly status is settled and established on the foundation of his willingness to die and on the promise of his resurrection and return. He is the “perfect” example of the submitted disciple, the willing participant, the obedient child. He sets the standard for his followers. He learned obedience so that we may follow his example. Jesus clarifies the title “high priest” that is first introduced way back in 2:17.

Jesus’ obedience requires our obedience in response. Jesus’ obedience confirms his appointment as a priest eternally “after the order of Melchizedek.” Jesus’ faithfulness is still seen as the basis for our fidelity to God. His death on a cross and his continued faithfulness to God lays the foundation for us to respond to God faithfully even in hard times. 

When the bottom falls out, we can be faithful to our faithful God because Jesus has gone ahead of us and paved a path of faithful obedience. Nonetheless, we must humble ourselves to obey, we must learn obedience in our own suffering so that we may be God’s eternal people. The cruciform life means being willing to die, to die for God but even to die for those who will betray and deny us. Humble service for God means imitating his humble service in Jesus. How are we doing?

We speak of truth and lovely things, but transparency and honesty can sometimes be messy. That is fine, though, God doesn't mind messy. If Jesus is truth, then why are we so quick to lie to each other as Christians? Are we really that concerned with how we "look" to others? Too often I compare myself to others whose situation is no better--without Christ, they are also nothing. Jesus is the Model to imitate. Church should be community, and community is sometimes messy. Unity only comes when we humble ourselves and serve others. My brother/sister may look quite different, but our unity is based on what Jesus has done and the example he set. Come to grips then with this truth--you are not God, but you need God. The only way God fills your need is by Jesus, his Incarnate Word. If you find a substitute to fill your void, you will always have "less-than-God." This idol will always fail. It cannot do anything less. God became one of us to reach us. He served humbly, what more can he ask of us? To love one another calls for humble service. It is enough.

Let us learn obedience and by learning obedience let us learn humility.

Conclusion: How do we respond to these things?

Some things we should note in this passage—First, the orientation of this section is intensely practical. The emphasis is on the need for earnest prayer. Prayer creates a sanctuary of sorts when no actual place is available. This week let us make a plan to spend time in a prayer sanctuary with the God who gives us free access to his grace in Jesus. This week, set aside at least 5 minutes a day to pray. Pray for family, for those who do not know Jesus, for your church family, for your city, for your nation. Most importantly, come boldly into God’s presence because of what Jesus has done. Spend time in God’s presence for your own sake. Soak in his presence!

Second, the new redemptive relationship between God and the human family inaugurated by Jesus establishes a firm basis for Christian decision/faithfulness. In other words, through what Jesus has done he now enables us to do—show faithful obedience to God. This week, as you read Scripture, as you pray, set your mind to obey what God says—then do it. Do ONE thing you know God called you to do. Don’t discuss it, do it. See what humility God will teach you when you simply obey. Trust and obey.

Finally, spend time in God’s Word asking his Spirit for direction. As you read, ask God what lesson you need to learn and how you can obey this word from Scripture. Read Jeremiah 18; Psalm 139; Deuteronomy 30; Psalm 1; Philemon 1; Philippians 2.

Remember, Jesus is God in the flesh. He is God among us. He is Immanuel. If we hear God’s voice today, we should NOT harden our hearts. We should strive to enter his rest. Nothing is hidden from God. We should learn obedience to him.

We claim to serve the great King, then spend decades building little fiefdoms to our own glory. We are often petty children who wish to be noticed as important or accepted, and we misunderstand the glory of the One who, though he was equal with God, humbled himself to serve others, even to the point of his own death. A glorious kingdom must be built on a solid foundation. In God's economy, that kingdom begins with humility and death. Lord, help us to die to our own petty kingdoms and prestige and teach us to live like Jesus. Philippians 2:5-8 is still the standard. Let us ever more search after that Truth!

Hear God, don’t harden your heart. Strive to enter his rest. Nothing is hidden from him. Learn obedience. Look to Jesus.

Thanks for reading! 

Sermon: Nothing is Hidden from God, Hebrews 4:12-16

 I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, VA. Over two years ago I began a series on Hebrews entitled "Keep Your Eyes on Jesus." I decided to post the links to the videos for any who would like to watch them. This sermon covers Hebrews 4:12-16 and is called "Nothing is Hidden." The sermon was originally preached on August 21, 2022. I'll post the notes/outline below (NOTE: the video may not follow the notes exactly!), but here is the video link: Hebrews 4:12-16. There are announcements prior to the sermon, so the sermon begins around 5:30 on the timer.

Hebrews Series: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Nothing is Hidden from God, Hebrews 4:12-16

Intro: Remember Kadesh Barnea and their unwillingness to hear from or to obey God. Avoid their mistake and do not harden your heart. Unlike the Kadesh Barnea generation, Hebrews calls us to make every effort to enter into God's rest--we have to pursue it. Hebrews 3:1-4:11 sets up discussion in 4:12-5:10. Nothing is Hidden from God. 1) His Word Exposes; 2) His High Priest Knows; and 3) His Mercy Emboldens.

Point 1: God’s Word Exposes Us (4:12-13)—(cf. Psalm 119) These verses are a sharp warning that offer another reason for continued faithfulness to the readers. The image here is of God’s Word as a sharp sword/knife--a knife or sword that exposes the depths of human thoughts and hearts. This could call up the imagery of Kadesh Barnea where God’s promise cut the hearers when they disobeyed it. It could further call to remembrance the piercing swords of the enemy felt by the disobedient ones who tried to force God’s promises to be true on their own abilities.

The point here is that when we are confronted with God’s Word we are confronted with God himself. Jesus is God’s “word” and that may be the meaning here (cf. John 1:18). God’s Word “exposes” us to God. The word “laid bare” or “exposed” in 4:13 refers to a wrestler who has been caught in a neck hold and is in danger of being thrown. In other words, God’s Word renders us “helpless” before God. God’s powerful Word reveals, exposes, challenges, and changes us.

Nothing is hidden from God. The children of Israel rebelled against his Word, but then tried to fix it by “repenting” (at least, in their minds it was a form of repentance--they took it upon themselves to try to make God's promise become reality, but God had already told them that their disobedience closed that door). Unfortunately, God had told them NOT to invade. They failed to listen again and experienced defeat. God’s Word exposes sin, it renders us helpless before God, and it changes us. On the positive side, God’s Word exposes (or makes known) God and his intentions. God is revealed, made known, and explained by his Word. Failure to hear and to obey God (do not harden your heart, make every effort to enter his rest) results in negative exposure. Listening to God’s Word and responding in obedience results in change, transformation, life. How are we responding to God’s exposing Word?

God’s Word also reveals to us the person and actions of his high priest. Nothing is hidden from God because his high priest knows us—he knows our lives, our suffering, our failure, our success—he knows us because his experience and our experience are similar. God’s high priest knows us, so nothing is hidden from God.

Point 2: God’s High Priest Knows Us (vv. 14-15)—Shifting gears a bit, the author now begins a discussion of the high priestly ministry of Jesus (note: Hebrews is the only book of the NT to refer to Jesus as a High Priest). Remember, that the author of Hebrews has made the point that the course of life can be determined by an individual’s choices. There is no escape from the call to decision. We experience life or death as a result of our decisions. This truth is shown throughout Hebrews. 

Israel decided at Kadesh Barnea that they could not trust God. Since trust is related to faithfulness, the Exodus generation seems to have decided that God is not faithful. Unbelief then is in some sense a form of distrust. That is why the author now directs his readers attention to the trustworthiness of Jesus. As a compassionate high priest, Jesus is trustworthy. Reflecting back to 2:14-3:1, our author engages once again in a discussion of Jesus’ role as a high priest for us.

In this section (and part of chapter 5), the author discusses two relationships of the high priest. His relationship to God: in which Jesus proved to be faithful. His relationship to the people: in which Jesus proved to be compassionate.

Jesus can show compassion because he participated in our situation—tempted in every respect like us. 4:15 uses a double negative to emphasize forcefully that Jesus identifies himself with those who feel defenseless in their situation. The verb here carries the idea of sharing an experience. It also includes the possibility of help. The idea here is that Jesus suffers when we suffer (cf. Acts 9), and he can help those who are helpless.

William L. Lane (Hebrews: A Call to Commitment): “Although Jesus as the exalted Son of God is now enthroned in God’s presence (4:15) he is related by experience to a humiliated and suffering community (4:16).  The exalted status of our heavenly high priest does not detract in any way from his ability to empathize with the weary and defenselessness of the Church in the world.”

Jesus is God’s High Priest. He represents God to us and us to God. He knows what we have gone through, and he is sympathetic to us. We are not alone, we have a high priest who understands. We can have confidence in him, and we can hold on to hope. Hope does not disappoint. Hope looks forward to the future revelation of God’s plan and intention for humanity. God has a plan, and his high priest (who passes into the highest heaven) is the guarantee that his plan will be accomplished. Nothing is hidden from God. He knows our hearts, our thoughts, our actions. His high priest lived as one of us. God knows our situation better than we think. Nothing is hidden from God. Because he sees it all, we can be confident in him. Jesus reveals God’s mercy, and God’s mercy emboldens us.

Point 3: God’s Mercy Emboldens Us (v. 16)—Jesus’ testing was like our testing, but his result was unlike our experience—he proved to be without sin. Because of Jesus’ participation in our situation, we can come to God with “bold frankness” (the word here has the idea of “freedom of speech” or “confidence” in gaining an audience. It has to do with the free and open communication of fellow citizens. The free right to approach God with boldness is granted through the sacrifice and suffering of Christ.

We have a choice to make today. We see that nothing is hidden from God. We see that his word exposes, his high priest knows, and his mercy emboldens. Yes, the exposure of our sin can be awkward. And the idea that God knows everything about us can be scary. But we tend to forget that God is merciful and longsuffering. His throne of grace is approachable. God never exposes sin and leaves it graceless. The only obstacle to him is our own unwillingness to be exposed, to identify with Jesus, and to rely on his mercy. Today, if we hear his voice, let’s not harden our hearts. Let us make every effort to enter his rest. Let’s rely on his mercy. How do we respond to this word? (Give gospel here)

Conclusion: First, listening to God in Scripture is imperative. Such listening (and obeying) is a matter of life and death. The pattern of disobedience begins in the heart, the center of human will and volition. An experience of privileged position with God is not a guarantee of blessing or success. The positive and faithful response of every single person to the voice of God is of crucial importance. The antidote to unbelief, indecision, and disobedience is exposure to God’s strong and living Word. The faithfulness of Christ is the primary basis for establishing a life that shows faithfulness to God. Read God’s Word, and ask him to expose his character and your character through the reading of it. Then do your best to obey what he tells you.

Jeremiah 2; Psalm 81; Luke 14; 2 Timothy 3; John 1:1-18

Second, let’s remember that we need rest. We need confidence. We need mercy. The need for rest—modern society is characterized with frenetic activity, we need a place to “rest”. This week, take 5 minutes a day to sit still and know he is God (Psalm 46). As we learn to sit in his presence, to contemplate his character, we will find he will expose his mercy and grace to us (especially when he exposes our sin).

Third, keep in mind that: Faith has a personal reference, Faith trusts in the promises of God, Faith unites the faithful one to Christ. Cultivating a reverence for God and a respect for his discerning Word. Faith is built up not simply by reading God’s word or listening to his voice, faith is also strengthened by obedience. We need to do what he says. One of the things he tells us to do is to share his grace with others. This week, write down 5 special gifts that the Lord has given you (five area of rest, mercy, or grace). Then, make sure you share them with at least one other person.

Nothing is hidden from God. He knows what we think, what we do, what we need. As we leave here today, God goes before us. He sees. How will you respond?

Nothing is hidden from God.

Thanks for reading! 

 

Father's Day: In Honor of my Dad (Bobbie Percer, Sr.)

This morning I was reminiscing about my childhood, and I recalled a moment that is indelibly stamped on my mind. The Percer family had arisen early in the morning to leave on vacation (I can't really remember where we were going, but we ALWAYS left early in the morning). We all piled into the Corvair to begin our trip--parents awake and ready, and children still in their pajamas. We always left early in the morning because in those days air conditioners didn't come standard on cars. Leaving early meant we could drive before the sun came up and made it hot. It was dark, we settled into our places, and I remember very clearly the glow of my father's cigar as we drove into the dark morning sky. 

I'm not sure why that memory sticks with me so strongly, but I can see it vividly. Dad, in the driver's seat, taking us on yet another summer adventure. Odd memory, no?

There is something about that orange red glowing memory that I love--my Dad, awake when others were half asleep, driving with confidence into a dark morning knowing that before the day is out he will bring us to our destination. Maybe it was just a morning memory . . . 

You see, my father passed away in August 2004. It happened just before I moved my family 1300 miles from Texas to Virginia. I wrote a little piece about my dad and posted it here shortly after we moved to Virginia. In his honor and to celebrate Father's Day, I thought I'd post it again.

I have been thinking this morning about memories. My Dad has been central in my mind recently. Why? Well, I’m afraid I’m losing him.

Let me explain.

My dad wasn’t very active the last few years of life. Due to his own lack of proper care for his physical body and a host of problems with illness, the primary memory my children have of their grandfather is dad sitting in a big lounge chair watching TV and occasionally waking up long enough to tease them.

My children did not get to know my dad. He was never the most active guy in the world (I think I know where my own lack of activity comes from!), but he didn’t sit around a lot as I remember it. Dad coached baseball, football, basketball, if it had “ball” in the title, he learned it, played it, and probably coached it. My dad cared about folks that no one else wanted. He loved kids, even his own. I once saw my dad kick a field goal from the 45 yard line (that’s a 55 yard kick, if you didn’t know!). I was in high school then, so dad was probably in his mid-40s. He could kick the ball further than the place kicker on our team.

I remember looking for dad’s vehicle to pull up at the football practice field. I don’t know if he knew that I saw him, but I looked for him to show up so I could perform for him. Dad didn’t get real excited about sports (that was mom’s job!), but you could tell when he was enjoying something. He had this infectious grin and mischievous smile that would literally light up his face. I heard that for years after my younger brother graduated high school, dad would make his way to the practice field and sit in his car and watch the players go through their paces.

For me, his watching was a comforting presence that reminded me that he was there if I needed him. Oh, I’ll admit that I didn’t “need” him as much as he would like, but it made me feel real good to know dad was there.

I miss him.

Sometimes in my work here, I think that dad is sitting in heaven, in his heavenly lounge chair, watching his boy perform. Oh, I’m not blindsiding running backs and quarterbacks any more, but I can’t help but think that dad is silently cheering for me. He sits there, intently studying me as I pace a classroom or teach a class or grade a paper. When I make a particularly brilliant play, he smiles that smile. Even when I don’t do so well, dad looks approvingly on his boy. I can see him, sitting there, big glass of sweet tea on the table, a smile in his eyes, and joy in his heart. I want to make him proud, and I think he knows that.

My last words to my dad face-to-face were spoken around Easter of 2004. I don’t remember everything we discussed, but I remember putting my arm around his shoulders and looking into that face. His eyes were a bit dimmed by senility due to old age and illness. But somewhere in those eyes I saw the place kicker kicking a field goal from the 45 yard line. I remember saying this to him, “Dad, I love you. I’ll see you later.” At his funeral, the pastor asked me to pray at the grave site (actually, my mother asked me to do it). As I walked away from dad’s coffin, I touched the lid and said, “I love you, dad, see you later.”

I miss him, but I thank God I will see him later. If your father is alive, call him up. Tell him you appreciate him and love him. Memories are great, but I’d love to have my dad here to hug again. He’s much better off, but I need his smile. Dad, I love you. See you later.

So, why the cigar dream above? I don't know, but there is something about that glowing red ember in the early morning darkness that comforts me in ways I can't explain. Dad, he was there when needed and made sure people were supported or got where they needed to go. That glowing ember warms me when I'm cold and alone, because I remember how my Dad would show up and bless me. It blesses me when I am hot and bothered because I remember how Dad could make even a difficult situation seem fun and light. Who would have thought that a burning cigar could cause such a connection?

On this Father's Day, I hope you have fond memories of a Dad who was there for you. If not, I know a Father who is close at hand. He is there, he cares. Like my earthly Dad, God is there to direct us with confidence, to be awake when we cannot, and to take us on adventures we have yet imagined. He is the bright glow of life in a dark world. He is the constant that invades our crazy varieties of everyday life. I pray that today will cause you to think of God and his care for you. I pray that you will grow to know him more and more. Blessings!

Thanks for reading!

Missing My Friend Again: In Memory of Steve Huisman

Eighteen years ago on June 12, Steve Huisman went to be with the Lord. I don't know why his death is heavy on my heart this year, but it just is. I miss my friend. I have so many things I'd like to share with him, so many questions to ask, and I need his honesty.

I miss Steve more than I can say.

Eighteen years ago, I wrote the following note in memory of Steve. I read it again today and it brought tears to my eyes. I want to share it with you all as a reminder of how important good friends are. If you have a friend like Steve, call that person today and thank them. If you don't, I pray that God will send you one soon.

It has been a lifetime since I had the opportunity to talk to Steve. How I miss him, but how grateful I am to have known him!

Sorry to be so melancholy!

Here's the post in honor of my friend (written in June 2006, a few days after the accident):

Steve Huisman.

Most of my readers will not recognize that name, although a few may think they know it.

Steve was a very good friend of mine. In fact, he was one of the best friends I ever had.

Steve died on Monday (June 12, 2006) in a plane crash. He was flying a plane in Florida that encountered some mechanical problems and crash landed on Davis Island. Steve died when the plane hit a home and caught fire. His co-pilot and the one person in the home survived.

I don't want to dwell on how Steve died. I want to describe how he lived.

Steve was a man that seemed at times to operate on an almost visceral level of honesty. He was unafraid to admit exactly how he was feeling and what he thought, especially when those thoughts and feelings pertained to his own spiritual status.

Don't misunderstand me, he was not a negative person. He was just quick to recognize his own fallenness and struggles. And by his honest admission of his fallenness, he elicited from others a confession that often bordered on sacramental.

Steve was my hero.

I would never have completed my Ph.D. if not for Steve Huisman. He was working on a correspondence course when he called me one day. He asked how the dissertation was going, and I confessed that I was struggling and didn't think I'd finish it. Oh, my lovely wife was gently prodding me, the members of the dissertation committee were doing their part to help me out, but I just was not motivated.

Steve had a great thought--"Leo, how about we call each other at 6:00 a.m. to give updates on our projects? It will be good for us and provide a source of accountability."

Promptly at 6:00 the next morning, he called me.

For about two years after that my early morning conversations with Steve were opportunities to admit my fears and my failures as well as times to rejoice in milestones and accomplishments. He never judged me when I had a bad day or week. He gently encouraged me to press on. He laughed with me when something funny happened, he celebrated with me when things got done. He walked with me, and by being there he pushed me to finish.

When I graduated with my Ph.D., I neglected to tell him how much his encouragement had meant to me. Two weeks ago he called me here in VA. He was in FL and just wanted to talk. We talked about an hour about our families, our lives, our Lord. We laughed, we kidded each other, we prayed for each other. He told me that he wanted my wife to speak to his wife. As we were passing the phones, I cleared my throat and said, "Steve, I wanted to tell you how much your friendship means to me. You were God's instrument to help me finish my dissertation. I never adequately thanked you for that." I told him all the great things I loved about him--his acceptance, his honesty, his gentleness even when he corrected me or pushed me to discipline, his gut level love for other people that was evident in my life. I sang his praises, I think I embarrassed him.

I told him I loved him.

Little did I know it would be the last time we would talk on this earth.

Steve went to be with the Lord in that plane crash Monday, but he left an awful lot of good stuff behind. His life is still having an impact on others even though it has ended. His diligence to serve God and others has left the world a better place. His love for his wife and children have instituted a legacy that will no doubt bear great fruit. His ongoing desire to be the best he could be for God's sake continues to motivate those who knew him to a deeper intimacy with God through Christ.

Steve was not a Bible scholar, but his life exemplified a clear understanding of the biblical call to follow Christ. He was a friend. He was a godly man. I miss him.

God, how I miss him!

I hate this fallen world of ours, but I know that it isn't home. Not completely. It is a way station. None of us are on this earth forever.

I still miss Steve.

41 years is not enough. I only knew him about 13 or so of those years.

He was a tall drink of water, a missionary kid with a love bigger than the world. He was the kind of guy you could trust to watch your most prized possessions. He had my back, he was my mighty and marvelous comrade. He helped me slay dragons and rescue the oppressed. Now I have to contemplate life without one of my wing men. Steve loved flying only slightly less than he loved God and his family. He loved to be in the air. Someday, I'll look up in the air and see him coming with Jesus. It will be the ultimate flight, and it won't surprise me to see Steve acting as the pilot.

Death invaded my life again. I can't imagine how his wife and children feel. I feel like I've been punched in the stomach, like I've lost something that cannot be replaced. I can almost hear Steve saying "I'll call you in the morning. You're going to make it! Hang in there!"

Thanks Steve, for all you gave us. Thanks to God for sharing Steve with us for 41 years. I'm crying now and feeling like I'm rambling, so maybe I better stop.

Live today like you have no tomorrow. Hug someone special and tell them you love them. Life is fragile, my friends, but God is strong. God is still in control, even though the world seems to spin crazily out of orbit.

Hang in there! With God's help, we're all going to make it!

Thanks for reading!