(Audio)
Since the children share in blood and Flesh,
Jesus likewise shared in them,
that through death he might destroy the one
who has the power of death, that is, the Devil,
and free those who through fear of death
had been subject to slavery all their life.
We don't realize the subtle ways in which death controls our lives through fear. We don't generally go around moment to moment afraid that we could die at anytime (although this is true and there could be a right way to hold that thought). Nevertheless we do experience many fears that are the symptoms of death. When we fear failure, or fear to lose what we have, or fear getting what we don't want, these and any other kind of fears are actually the fear of death in disguise. Although intended to be a paradise this world is impermanent and imperfect. In many ways, it lives up to the expectations our fears set for it.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
Every healing Jesus performed was a victory over death in miniature. Death was a consequence of sin and Jesus came to solve both problems. God did not create death and does not delight in the death of the sinner. Sensing that an answer to their fear was at hand the whole town went out to see Jesus. They wanted to experience this reversal of death in their own lives.
When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Yet something more was required to solve the sin problem and grant access once more to paradise. The problem is not merely something external that can be solved by the snap of a finger. Deep, profound, internal changes were required in the human heart.
therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
to expiate the sins of the people.
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested.
We often give in when we are tested. Fear makes us cave in when we should stand firm. It strips our confidence in God. Jesus conquers fear by his obedience. This victory is revealed in the resurrection and is the beginning of the final reversal of the death and the opening up of paradise to believers. We are now invited to taste the freedom of fearlessness.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" (see Romans 8:15).
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (see Second Timothy 1:7).
that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear (see Luke 1:74)
Let us take fearful thoughts captive in our minds today. Let avail ourselves of the freedom Christ died to give us.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
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