Hebrews 3:1-2, “Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession – Jesus. Who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house.”
Did you realize if you are a Christian, you are part of a heavenly calling? That is who you are. The NIV version says we need to “fix your thoughts on Jesus (Heb. 3:1b).” Paul taught in Philippians 2:5a, “Make your own attitude that of Jesus Christ.” Jesus’s attitude was one of humbly being obedient. He sacrificed His life for me, and for you. In other words, pay attention to whose you are and submit all you do to Jesus because you are more a citizen of heaven than a citizen on earth. This is a fact that is becoming more and more apparent in our culture and time. Therefore, the challenge is how can we (how can I) imitate Christ’s example in our daily relationships with Christians and non-Christians? I cannot control someone else’s response in times of conflict. But I can control mine if I am mirroring Jesus Christ.
When we focus on the who and whose we are, Jesus Christ, our heavenly High Priest, we need to realize and recall Hebrews 2:11, “For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of One; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brothers.” That is a blessing and encouragement to know that Jesus calls us His holy brethren. The Message version states, “So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. Moses was also faithful.” Moses was a patriarch to the Jews and the author of Hebrews honored Moses, as the entire Jewish religion came through Moses. There were many influential and powerful personalities in the Bible, but Jesus Christ was greater as He is the foundation, the Messiah, who represents us before His Heavenly Father. As Colossians 1:15 and 18 states, “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. And He is the head of the body, the church; Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” So, the writer of Hebrews admonished the Jews, to honor Jesus Christ over Moses because of who He is, the Son of God, and all He has done for sinful man.
Today, be blessed to know you are part of Christ’s heavenly calling as a believer. Let this encourage you to press on, with endurance, in focusing on your future. Examine what is vital for growth and development in your life. Doesn’t it mostly happen through relationships God has placed you in through times of difficulty? Examine what is holding you back. Is it a weakness that God can turn into a strength? Then fix your thoughts on Jesus Christ. He will bless your obedience and faithfulness to Him.
“Consider the Apostle: We don’t often apply this word to Jesus, but He is our Apostle. The ancient Greek word translated apostle really means something like ambassador. In this sense, Jesus is the Father’s ultimate ambassador (Hebrews 1:1-2). God the Father had to send a message of love that was so important He sent it through Christ Jesus.” David Guzik Commentary. Your great shepherd has a plan, and He leads you where He wants to grow and use you. Jesus Christ is your advocate and supporter and has your back. “It’s not about where we go or don’t go, what we do or don’t do. It’s about Jesus’ faithfulness to His Father. And our failures only make His ministry to the Father that much more impressive.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary.
When you hit a roadblock, remember you have been called to partake of a Heavenly calling. Be faithful. Know fully the who and remember whose you are. Fix your thoughts on Jesus. Pray Psalm 119:133 over your day, “Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.” Then in needing success in your day, pray Psalm 90:17, “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon ______ (your name) us – yes, establish the work of (my) our hands.” Keep it simple. Be faithful to your calling. That is who you are.
Listen to the Newsboys STAND (Lyric video) ft. TobyMac. January 2022.