SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 2
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. [Hebrews 2:8-9]
The author of Hebrews takes us back to Adam and Eve, the first humans, who according to Psalm 8:4-6 were positions above the angels in authority over the world.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over all the earth…” [Genesis 1:26]
And yet we do not see humans in charge: instead they surrendered their authority to Satan, who usurped their role on earth and subjected humans to slavery – he is now the prince of this world [John 12:31].
But we see Jesus… [Hebrews 2:9]
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” [Matthew 28:18-20]
Jesus has defeated the prince of this world, has broken the chains of sin, death and hell, and has restored humanity to its rightful place – now crowned with glory and honour [Hebrews 2:9].
Through our relationship to Jesus, we are restored to our position over all the earth, even over the angels.
Christ is “seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” [Ephesians 1:19-21].
We are seated with Him: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” [Ephesians 2:6]
The author of Hebrews knows that it doesn’t look like Satan is defeated, or humans restored, but that is only when we focus on ourselves or the world.
Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus…
We fix our eyes on Jesus, we trust in Jesus, we remember His claim that all authority belongs to Him!
When life circumstances, or Satan’s lies, or tragedy or hardship or doubt or despair threaten to sink us, we look to Jesus, we cling to His authority.
Satan, though defeated, unleashes the full power of deception at us, trying to trick us into thinking he is still the prince of this world.
The only way to overcome his deception is by submitting to God and Jesus, and resisting Satan’s lies; when we do, he will flee from us, because in Christ we are above him [James 4:7].
Jesus became one with us, He suffered with us and died for us, He defeated the devil and removed our guilt…
We are free, we are more than conquerors, in Christ we are over Satan and sin and death and hell.
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil– and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. [Hebrews 2:14-15]
If only we would start thinking – and living – like this!
PRAYER:
Lord, I am forgiven, I am free, I am in You and You are in me! Why do I live as if I am still in sin and Satan’s grip. Help me to look at You, and not sin and Satan. He me to live like a victor, not a victim!