ReaD Hebrews 2:13
Throughout Hebrews, God reminds us of His works from Genesis and Deuteronomy all the way through the Kings and the Prophets, while applying numerous Psalms as well. All of this is pointing to Himself: Jesus the Messiah.
Isaiah testified “I will wait for the LORD… I will hope in Him. Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me…” (8:17-18). This is what Hebrews 2:13 quotes here.
Jesus placed His trust in the Father when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the broader context of Hebrews 2:8-15, Jesus endured for the joy of bringing many (“sons,” “children” or equal co-heirs) to glory, which we were created for (Isaiah 43:7). This is the opposite of what we humans did in the Garden of Eden.
We doubted. We questioned our purpose and our inheritance.
Jesus faced death and knew it. We faced death but were deceived, believing the lie that we would not suffer the consequences of trying to be our own gods.
He was perfect and shared our anguish. Our sin and resulting fear of death enslaved us, but now we are free, hoping in and pursuing Him.
Jesus Christ is now in us and we are now in Him who is seated at the right hand of Majesty. Jesus embraced and redeemed us, placing His trust in the Father despite the pain He would endure, making our suffering meaningful as He goes through it with us and we become like Him.
“When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4)
All of us also are acutely aware of the pain and suffering in our own lives and the world around us. This can make temptation hard when the deceit of some escape is promised, but Jesus gives us peace that is different from what the world gives (John 14:27). In this world we have trouble, but we take heart because Jesus has overcome the world.
By the power of His death and resurrection we live. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us and enables us to trust in Him and mourn like Him and be comforted by Him. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing in us a weight of glory beyond all comparison…” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
For Reflection:
- What fears or doubts is God calling you to trust Him in?
By Derek Alden
