Higher than the Angels

Today we start to look at the book of Hebrews

Hebrews 1

I have to say I love it where it says

You are my Son; today I have become your Father (NIV)

What does God say to you today through that – or any other verses in today’s text, and how does it apply to you in your own context?

Hebrews for everyone

Before we begin to look at the book of Hebrews I’d like to make a few comments the first of which is that I am not an expert on the book of Hebrews (or any other book of the Bible for that matter -though Hebrews (along with Revelation) is one of the books I know/understand the least!

But I love what Tom Wright (now bishop of Durham inthe UK writes)

On the very first occasion when someone stood up in public to tell people about Jesus, he made it very clear: this message is for everyone. (introduction to Wrights’ ‘for everyone’ series of NT commentaries)

That someone was Peter and it was uttered onthe day of Pentecost, the day which marks the birthday of the church, and the day when the believers were given the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

No-one knows for sure who wrote the Letter to the Hebrews – but according to Wright it is ‘one of the most bracing and challenging writings in the NT’ – we are up for a challenge aren’t we? – He goes on to say ‘People ofen find it a bit difficult, because it uses ideas that are strange to us. But, like meeting a new friend, we will find as we get to know it that it is full of interest and delight, with a powerful message that comes home to today’s and tomorrow’s church as much as it did to yesterday’s. ‘

As we read though this together over the next 2½ weeks (there are 13 chapters) let’s be prepared to allow ourselves to read from and medidate on what the author of Hebrew shows us about our Triune God, but simultaneously let us be open to God doing and saying a new thing to us!

The reading plan for Hebrews is as follows:

This week

Wednesday Nov 4th Heb 1
Thursday Nov 5th Heb 2
Friday Nov 6th Heb 3

Next week

Monday 9th Heb 4
Tuesday 10th Heb 5
Wednesday 11th Heb 6
Thursday 12th Heb 7
Friday 13th Heb 8

Following week

Monday 16th Heb 9
Tuesday 17th Heb 10
Wednesay 18th Heb 11
Thursday 19th Heb 12
Friday 20th Heb 13

I will post the readings here on this site (with a link to The Message but do feel free to read from any translation you like)  … along with some questions (when I can) …  Please feel free to comment if you would like to – would love to hear what you think or what God opens up to you -or the questions that you have!

stf

into Hebrews

Tomorrow we start Hebrews. I don’t know about you but I’m really looking forward to this in spite of the fact that Tom Wrightcalls this letter ‘one of the most bracing and challenging writings in the New Testament’ … and goes on to say ‘People often find it a bit difficult because it uses ideas that are strange to us.’

Are we up for this challenge? I think so …

-stf

Risen and still in control

We conclude our study of Matthew today with the final chapter

Matthew 28

What does what Matthew tell of Jesus’ resurrection and how does that speak to you wherever you are today? What about His commissioning of you? Take time with God today and allow Him to open this up to you – allow the Word to read you as you read it.

As always, we’d be happy to hear your thoughts . Please feel free to leave a comment.

not quite the end

I chose the title of today’s post deliberately … today is the penultimate chapter of Matthew, and tells of two deaths, but death is not quite the end – as we shall find out tomorrow.

Today’s reading, however, is

Matthew 27

last reading in October

Matthew 26

Today’s reading is from the passion of the Christ – what is God saying to you as you take time to read and meditate on these passages?

***

PS there are two more chapters of Matthew to read. We’ll take those on Monday and Tuesday next week.  Saturday is -as ever- a day of grace (to catch up and consolidate the readings) and Sunday is a day of rest.

We’ll start Hebrews on Wednesday. Can’t wait :)

stf

are you ready?

What is God saying to you today as you read

Matthew 25

Feel free to share a comment or two below

end of times or a new beginning

Matthew 24

is today’s passage.

Even if this passage is very familiar to you, why not take a break in today’s busy schedule and allow it to read you. What is God saying to you today – though the passage – about your ministry?

fashion shows and frauds

(you have to love the chapter titles in the Message!)

What is Matthew on about in today’s passage?

Matthew 23

Remember you can read from any translation – and do feel free to leave a comment, a question, a thought … together we read through the scriptures, and as we do so we encourage one another … be blessed

stf

caught off balance

As I skimmed through today’s passage before posting – my eyes latched on the phrase

Jesus caught them off balance

Jesus modelled turning the world upside down – with his teaching and his deeds. What is he challenging you with today in Matthew 22?