“Trust In Him”
…but we do see Jesus, who for a little
while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because
of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for
everyone.
It was fitting that God, for whom and
through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make
the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who
sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason
Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “I will
proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation
I will praise you.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here
am I and the children whom God has given me.” Since, therefore, the children
share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that
through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the
devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of
death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants
of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every
respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service
of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he
himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being
tested.
We all know something about fear. And
certainly the people we meet in the Bible also knew the power of fear over
their own lives. But they also knew, as we do today, that there is never a need
to panic, even in the face of death. Our Lord has experienced death and
conquered it!
Do not be victimized by your fears.
God is our God. He knows us all by name.
If you believe
that Jesus lives,
you do not
need to fear death.
Our Daily
Bread – October 13, 2007