In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him. But even though he was God’s Son, he learned through his sufferings to be obedient. When he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him, and God declared him to be high priest, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.

There is much we have to say about this matter, but it is hard to explain to you, because you are so slow to understand. There has been enough time for you to be teachers – yet you still need someone to teach you the first lessons of God’s message. Instead of eating solid food, you still have to drink milk. Anyone who has to drink milk is still a child, without any experience in the matter of right and wrong. Solid food, on the other hand, is for adults, who through practice are able to distinguish between good and evil.

Hebrews 5:7-14

Being an onlooker of Christian living is risky. The wrong things go up, and the wrong things come down. Criticism, discouragement, disillusionment, and boredom go up. Sensitivity to sin and the needs of others, and receptivity to the Word of God go down. Yes, there is a certain amount of excitement when we hear how God has worked in someone’s life. But how about your own life? Are you just a spectator or do you have a story to tell? There is no substitute for talking about your own experiences of faith, and using your own God-given abilities to help others.

If we are maturing as Christians we are called

to go out and spread the Good News.

God calls us to get into the game, not to keep the score.

Our Daily Bread – December 16, 2002