Intro: You and I—all humanity—are deeply and sacrificially loved by a Holy God. It is hard for us to comprehend God’s deep and sacrificial love for us, because we are so unworthy of it. However, in spite of our inconsistencies to live righteously for our Holy God, believers are given mercy and love in Christ while we learn obedience. God loves his fallen human creation and continues to provide a way in Christ for redeeming us.
When Jesus—the Righteous One—descended to earth, he identified with humanity to become a little lower than the angels. Through the sinless life and death of Christ—a supreme act of grace—all things are now accountable to him as the Head and one day, as his redeemed Church, we will rule and reign with him.
In our passage today, the writer of Hebrews quotes Psalm 8 when he speaks of the position God originally gave to human beings. We failed to take the proper dominion over sin, but Jesus did not. Jesus is the Head who represents humanity for the honor and glory of the Father—he is the Anointed One.
So, the promise has been given to us—one day we will rule and reign with Christ. Yet, until he returns for his Church, we presently must endure a variety of difficulties because sin and death still exists in the world. Therefore, we must allow God’s grace to impact our lives every day—to grow in grace and rely on its work (2 Peter 3:18; Acts 13:43). Never forget it is grace that is at the heart of God’s message and it is grace that sustains us in Christ. Have a grace-filled day with Jesus!
Hebrews 2:5-9 NLT Jesus, the Man
5 And furthermore, it is not angels who will control the future world we are talking about. 6 For in one place the Scriptures say,
“What are mere mortals that you should think about them, or a son of man [human existence] that you should care for him?
7
Yet for a little while you made them [humanity in general] a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor [gave them charge of everything you made].
8
You gave them authority over all things.”
Now when it says “all things,” it means nothing is left out. But we have not yet seen all things put under their authority. 9 What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for forgiving our sin against your love and for sending the Son of Man to take dominion in this world. As we wait for Christ’s return, please provide the grace we need to obey and honor you, because we desperately need your help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.