Plenty to Do

Plenty to Do

Hebrews 5: Every high priest is chosen from his fellow-men and appointed to serve God on their behalf, to offer sacrifices and offerings for sins. ² Since he himself is weak in many ways, he is able to be gentle with those who are ignorant and make mistakes. ³ And because he is himself weak, he must offer sacrifices not only for the sins of the people but also for his own sins. ⁴ No one chooses for himself the honor of being a high priest. It is only by God's call that a man is made a high priest—just as Aaron was.

 

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When the position opened, I applied for it. I did not get the position, because It was clearly not in my skillset. But I wanted a promotion. A mentor said, “Don’t worry. It will come. Just be patient..” I did get promoted later.

 

• I wanted to be in charge.
• I wanted to be chosen to lead a group.
• I wanted to be in a higher position, but I could not place myself in it.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, wrote about the position of the High Priest. He explained that the High Priest was fallible. Although prone to mistakes, the High Priest was called by GOD for HIS purpose.

 

My Observations

• Though I am not called to be a High Priest, I still have plenty to do to serve the LORD.
• Even if I am not a pastor, I can lead many people back to CHRIST.
• My service to the LORD does not depend on who is leading a group of people.

 

Atonement for sin is no longer through a High Priest. I mean, JESUS was and is the ultimate sacrifice, taking away the need to use the blood of animals to symbolize the washing away of sins. HIS sacrifice provided the necessary blood to save me.

 

JESUS then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me after being raised from the dead. The HOLY SPIRIT guides me to serve others and be served when I need to be picked up. I am glad GOD cared enough for me to put me in HIS plan.

 

Challenge

• What sticks out to you in this passage?
• Have you ever wanted to be in charge?
• Will you allow GOD to open your eyes to all that is needed to be done, so you can take your eyes off of someone else’s life and accept HIS calling on your life today?

Who put you in charge?

 

Who put you in charge?

1 Corinthians 4: You should think of us as Christ's servants, who have been put in charge of God's secret truths. ² The one thing required of such servants is that they be faithful to their master. ³ Now, I am not at all concerned about being judged by you or by any human standard; I don't even pass judgment on myself. ⁴ My conscience is clear, but that does not prove that I am really innocent. The Lord is the one who passes judgment on me. ⁵ So you should not pass judgment on anyone before the right time comes. Final judgment must wait until the Lord comes; he will bring to light the dark secrets and expose the hidden purposes of people's minds. And then all will receive from God the praise they deserve.

 

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After I realized I was not living as I should, I started reading the Bible more and learning what it had to say. When I found a truth that I should live, I immediately told others. But one day someone said “Who put you in charge?” My approach was pretty harsh.

 

• There have been times when I had the best intentions but my delivery was not the best.
• There have been times when I wanted to help, but the way I helped seemed harsh.
• There have been times when I thought I was serving when in reality I was judging.

 

Paul explains that anyone who speaks about JESUS, needs to be faithful. Judging someone else’s intentions is not the main goal and should be left to JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to be faithful to follow JESUS.
• GOD wants me to be careful not to judge.
• GOD wants me to keep my conscience clear, but know I am a sinner who need to be forgiven.

 

When GOD made me, HE wanted me to speak highly of JESUS. I believe everyone is made to do the same. But some will not. GOD chose to use humans to spread HIS Good News of JESUS being our Savior.

 

I can say this with a clear conscience, knowing all my actions will be judged. Some will be burned up and some will stay. I am glad GOD enables me to be dependable enough to speak HIS name.

 

• Do you feel like falling away from CHRIST?
• Are you judging someone today?
• Will you remain faithful to GOD and follow HIS ways and drop any judgement you may have of others today?

In Charge

In Charge

John 5: ¹⁹ Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. ²⁰ For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. ²¹ For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. ²² For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, ²³ that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

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Desiring to be heard, I scheduled a meeting with my bosses boss. In the meeting I expressed my idea and my concerns. Listening intently, the person took in all of my words. They replied, “Did you talk to your boss about this?” I did not know how to reply. I mean I did not believe in my boss enough to convey the message correctly, and besides why couldn’t I come to the head of the department directly?

• There were times when I was immature with my approach.
• There were times when I thought “my” way needed to be heard.
• There were times when I felt I should be able to go right to the top with my ideas, thoughts and complaints.

JESUS makes HIS position very clear to the church leaders. HE pretty much says “I AM GOD” as HE explains how much the FATHER loves HIM and shows HIM all things. HE also makes it very clear that judgment is all HIS. Anyone who speaks about “GOD” must speak about the SON who is GOD.

• JESUS wants me to recognize that HE is GOD.
• JESUS wants me to recognize that the FATHER has given HIM all power.
• JESUS wants me to recognize that the HOLY SPIRIT has been sent by HIM and I should pay attention to HIS voice as well.

FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT are GOD all in one. There is no separation that I can understand. Three unique beings work together in one as one. But somehow one volunteered to die for me.

It must have hurt to say “Okay, if YOU want to save all of the humans, YOU must become one, be blameless and accept all of their blame.” JESUS said “Yes, I will accept the blame for all their sin.” HE got that kind of grace from HIS FATHER. I only hope I can get a little grace from the both of them.

• Do you think there are many paths to GOD?
• Are you trying to ignore JESUS?
• Will you allow JESUS to be in charge of your soul and accept HIS wonderful gift of eternal salvation today?