Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Hebrews 2:14-15
This afternoon, I continued with my listening/reading of a Christmas/Advent
devotional from John Piper. Today's entry focuses
on what Piper urges us to see Hebrews 2:14-15 as his favorite Advent text as "[he doesn't] know any other that expresses so clearly the connection between
the beginning and the end of Jesus’s earthly life — between the
incarnation and crucifixion. These two verses make clear why Jesus came;
namely, to die." With this devotion, Piper systematically reviews Hebrews 2:14-15, referring us to supporting scriptures (Isaiah 8:18; 53:10, John 1:12, John 3:16, John 11:52, 1 Timothy 4:10, John 1:12, John 1:1, Colossians 2:9, Romans 8:33, and Romans 5:9) that reinforce his case. He goes on by stating that "[t]he reason [God] became man was to die. As God pure and simple, he could
not die for sinners. But as man he could. His aim was to die. Therefore
he had to be born human. He was born to die. Good Friday is the purpose
of Christmas. This is what most people today need to hear about the
meaning of Christmas." Jesus did this of course so that we would have freedom from sin and death as He defeats both through His death on the cross and the resurrection. Piper wraps today's devotion with the following: "Satan’s ultimate weapon against us is our own sin. If the death of
Jesus takes it away, the chief weapon of the devil — the one mortal
weapon that he has — is taken out of his hand. He cannot make a case for
our death penalty, because the Judge has acquitted us by the death of
his Son! So, we are free from the fear of death. God has justified us. Satan cannot overturn that decree. And God means for our ultimate safety to have an immediate effect on our lives. He means for the happy ending to take away the slavery and fear of the Now. If we do not need to fear our last and greatest enemy, death, then we
do not need to fear anything. We can be free. Free for joy. Free for
others. What a great Christmas present from God to us! And from us to the world!"
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed an amazing God and You are the greatest gift the world has ever known and will know. You came to die so that I could have life to the full now and eternity in Heaven - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such an amazing gift. My sins continue...daily, including worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
