JESUS AND MOSES COMPARED Peter tells us how we become "partakers of the Divine nature." It is not by trying to be like Jesus, as noble as that effort is. Nor, indeed, is it through perfect obedience – if there is such a thing. The Holy Spirit moved Peter to say it this way. "Thus He has given us, through these things, His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the Divine nature" (2 Pet 1:4, NIV). "These things," through which the provisions come, are His "glory and virtue" (KJV), or "glory and goodness" (NIV). His glory speaks of the expressive part of His nature, and His "virtue" or "goodness" speaks of His intention to bless. These most excellent attributes are the cause behind the provision – the means through which we will "participate in the Divine nature." And what has been given to ensure we can be "conformed to the image of His Son," becoming "like Him" (Rom 8:29; 1 John 3:1-2)? The Legalists would say "the commandments." The libertine would say "license." Do not miss the appointed means! They are "HIS PRECIOUS AND VERY GREAT PROMISES," OR His "EXCEEDING GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES" (KJV). -- Tomorrow:
"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honor than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all His house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; but Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." (Heb 3:1-6)
Devotion 10 of 12
" . . . whose house are we . . . "
Why is this the case? Why not use commandments as the basis for conformity to the Divine image? Because only Divine commitments can stimulate faith! Paul well said, "The law is not based on faith" (Gal 3:12, NRSV). Commands give us something to do, promises give us something believe. Do not think for one moment this deprecates obeying, or doing the will of the Lord! Faith is the root, and obedience is the branch – and "faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ" (Rom 10:17, ASV). The Gospel is the announcement of Divine provision, not a demand to fulfill a code! For that reason, faith can take hold of it!
What does all of this have to do with us being the house of Christ? As the One "over" the "house," the Son of God is providing the spiritual realities of which the promises speak. He is the appointed Provider for those who believe the promises. It is true, we "through faith and patience inherit what has been promised" (Heb 6:12, NRSV). It is the ministry of the Son, however, that brings it to pass. Were it not for Him, neither faith nor patience (perseverance) would be of any consequence!
This truth is brought home by this provocative statement: "Christ was faithful as a Son over His house whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end" (v 6, NASB). Note the power of these words. He does NOT say we are His house if we are faithful! Nor, indeed, is membership in Christ's household traced back to our deeds. These observations are not intended to demean faithfulness or works – and none should imagine such things. The Spirit is leading people away from the notion that Law is the means of obtaining the favor of God. Identity with Christ is shown in the fruitage of confidence and hope – two indispensable elements. It is interesting that neither of these are considered essential by the Law-keeper. They are perceived as signs of presumption, and are vigorously opposed by those enamored of Law.
When we came into Christ, we came in with "confidence" and "hope." These accompany the new birth, and are invariably found in those born of the Spirit. That is why early believers "gladly received the Word" (Acts 2:41), "rejoiced" (Acts 8:39), and even "took joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing they had in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (Heb 10:34). Even the spiritually juvenile knew the Father (1 John 2:13), understanding their sins had been forgiven (1 John 2:12). The lack of confidence and assurance indicates a walk in darkness. These qualities are not associated with maturity alone, but with faith – something "common" to everyone in the body of Christ (Eph 3:12; 2 Tim 1:12; Heb 10:22).
Those in the house will receive spiritual nourishment. They will be under the care of the "Good Shepherd," who cares for His own (John 10:13-14). The prophets foretold of the ministry of our Good Shepherd, and their words are wonderful. "Then I will set over them one shepherd, My servant David, and He will feed them; He will feed them Himself and be their shepherd" (Ezek 34:23-24). That is the ministry of the Son, who is over His house. Under the Headship of the Son, the people of God are nourished and strengthened.
This is one of the glorious traits of the "day of salvation." As it is written, "For He says: 'In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:2, NKJV). I like the word "succored" that is used in the King James Version. To me, it is a more specific word than "helped." This word is translated from a word that means run to the aid of one who cries for help . . . help, come to the aid of, rescue. It is not that Jesus is our Servant, running at the sound of our voice. The idea is that He is alert to our needs, able to be "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Heb 4:15). We are in His care, and He cares for us – with His heart. That is what it means to be over His house, "whose house are we!"
PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, I give thanks for the abundant provision that is ministered to Your house by Your Son.