RELIGION TO RELATIONSHIP!

Hebrews – Learning to get out of the way

We have been learning to “get out of the way” and allow the work of Jesus Christ to come into our hearts and guide our minds and souls as we read prayerfully and carefully through Hebrews, using Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase, The Message. His explanation drives us to the heart of the matter today concerning the actions of Jesus, living IN us, the secret to abundant, eternal life.

Let’s play “what if” for a bit. What if I was handed a book about my husband when I decided to sign a paper to marry him that told me all about him? What if, I read the book, then put it on the shelf. I went on with life without talking to Randy, sharing life with him or even going anywhere with him? Sometimes if I wanted to be reminded of him…I just went to the book and refreshed my memory of him. But I never developed or grew into a relationship WITH him? That’s not a very loving marriage, isn’t it? Mmm. I would know of him, but I would not know him.

Okay. Now consider what God wants with us and provided for this to happen with the work of his Son, Jesus Christ. From a chiseled stone of rules in our hands, to a full relationship with Him in our hearts! Wow! 

The NEW plan…IN us! Be encouraged!

“This new plan I’m making with Israel isn’t going to be written on paper, isn’t going to be chiseled in stone; This time I’m writing out the plan IN them, carving it on the lining of their hearts. I’ll be their God, they’ll be my people. They won’t go to school to learn about me, or buy a book called ‘God in Five Easy Lessons’. They’ll get to know me by being kindly forgiven, with the slate of their sins forever wiped clean.” Hebrews 8, Msg

Because of the action of Jesus Christ, we can now go from mere rules to a holy, forever relationship with the One who loves us most and best! Hallelujah! Praise God for this Way out of our sins, wiping the slate clean..forever. We can talk with Him, walk with Him, share everything with Him. We can boldly come to His throne without reservation because of the work of our Savior, Jesus Christ on the Cross, paying off all our debt! This is cause for praise and worship. Don’t want until Sunday…do it now…as we walk and talk with Him!

Dear Heavenly Father,
I don’t know what I would do without our holy relationship and the love You have for me and I have for You. I love you with all my heart, mind and soul. And that causes me to have better, more loving relationships with others…as I love You. You are unconditional love. I learn to love and relate from You. Thank you for this lesson today. Now help us live it with You living in us.
In Jesus Name, Amen