Daily Devotion, February 24, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 2:14-15.

“…and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Just this phrase alone, within this wonderful letter, can stop one in their tracks to realize this is worthy of greater pondering. My first thought is that when I am afraid, I close my eyes tightly and cover my ears.

The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews is making sure the recipients of the letter understand the supremacy of Jesus, the high priestly role of Jesus, the authority of Jesus, the redemptive work of Jesus and the ministry of Jesus.

In Hebrews 1, the writer describes how Jesus, the Son of God is superior to angels. In chapter 2, the writer describes how Jesus is lower than the angels, to become as we are. Psalm 8 is quoted within chapter 2, “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet.”

So verses 14 and 15 describe how Jesus shared in our humanity thru death. Jesus was the incarnation of God out of God’s own initiative and love for humankind to overcome death for us and to give us freedom from the fear of death.

How do we live in this liberation from the fear of death? This question is worth much more pondering as well! This liberation is for service unto others.

Corrie Ten Boom lived with this kind of liberation from the fear of death as she offered safe housing to the Jewish people during the holocaust. Rosa Parks lived with this kind of liberation from the fear of death as she took her seat on the bus. Many health care providers and medical people over this last year of the pandemic have lived with this kind of liberation from the fear of death. Even before they had all the protective gear needed, they served others.

Personal Worship Option:

This liberation from the fear of death is a gift from God in Jesus. Thanks be to God! Liberating God, open my eyes and my ears to courageously serve others in your name. Amen.