Two weeks ago we discussed Jesus' superiority to the prophets and the angels, last Sunday our lesson focused on the humanity of Jesus. Hebrews chapter 1 tells us that Jesus "is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word". Hebrews chapter 2 tells us "it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering" and that Jesus "shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil".
The seemingly contradictory concepts of a crucified messiah, defeating death by dying and being made perfect through suffering are difficult to grasp. Unfortunately, my efforts at explaining what was in my heart were so very inadequate. I could see by the mixture of puzzled and confused expressions on your faces that I was failing at communicating Sunday. I apologize for this.
One of the resources that I found helpful as I prepared for class was a sermon entitled "The True Man" by Ray C. Stedman. This can be found at the following web site: http://www.pbc.org/dp/stedman/hebrews1/0085.html. Perhaps if you get the opportunity to read this it might make more sense of my Sunday morning ramblings regarding the Paradoxes of Salvation through Suffering and Deliverance by Dying.
The knowledge that Jesus came to this world and subjected himself to the pains, suffering and feelings that I have everyday means that not only can I confess my sins and know that he will be faithful and just to forgive me but that I can bring my hurts, emotional distress and deepest concerns to Jesus. Because he suffered these, I can trust him to help me through my suffering. Since I know that Jesus' resurrection forever defeated the devil's whip and threat of death, I can live my life secure in an eternal future with him. While I'm in no hurry to make that move, I can live my life free of the worry of death and what happens after. Certainly Satan still roams the earth attempting to wreck as many lives as he can but his eventual fate is already known. If I can abandon my desires and live my life exactly as He would have it and remain in the center of his will, then Death has truly been defeated.
Just recently the Contemporary Christian group "Mercy Me" released their second album. It is entitled "Spoken For". You may know this group best for their hit "I Can Only Imagine". On the new record is a song named "Crazy". It is interesting that the lyrics of that song so well complement Sunday's lesson. I'm probably violating copyright laws by printing these below but I wanted to share them with you.
"Crazy" by Mercy Me
Why would I spend my life longing for the day that it would end
Why would I spend my time pointing to another man
Isn't that crazy
How can I find hope in dying with promises unseen
How can I learn your ways better in everything I'm taught to be
Isn't that crazy
I have not been called to the wisdom of this world
but to a God who's calling out to me.
And even though the world may think I'm losing touch with reality
it would be crazy to choose this world over eternity
And if I boast, let me boast and filthy rags make clean
And if I glory, let me glory in my Savior's suffering
Isn't that crazy
And as I live this daily life I trust you for everything
And I will only take a stand when I feel you leading me
Isn't that crazy
Call me crazy, you can call me crazy
