Be assured of God’s love and hope in Christ (Heb 2:14–18). #TheGreatestHope #JesusTheHopeOfTheAges
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Here the author fires his final and defeating salvo of truth into the bow of the enemy. Jesus the Christ became incarnate. He became a human being. He lived a sinless life and became not only the perfect sacrifice for sin, he was also our high priest presenting atonement for man’s sin.
Not only was he human but Christ also suffered as a man for us. His death and resurrection from the dead defeats death and the fear of death, Satan‘s stranglehold on human life. Christ did not die to redeem angels. He died to redeem the seed of Abraham, the children of God. Lord, it gives this aged sentry great hope to know that I am known and loved by you in Christ Jesus.
Be mindful of the extreme sacrifice Jesus made for you (Heb 2:10–13). #JesusSaviorBrother
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The writer here begins closing arguments for Christ as superior to angels. By God’s grace (v9) Jesus “tasted death“ for all men. This was intended that he might bring many into his glory. No angel died for the souls of men to be set free. But it was Jesus. He then is our great and superior leader.
Those who believe in Jesus are made holy. They, by their belief, can declare God as their father. Jesus, who bought their freedom and brought them to God, now proclaims them as his brothers and sisters. They have trusted in God by Christ. Lord, thank you for Jesus who took upon himself all my sin. In doing so this old sentry is made a child of God.
Seek to be all that God intended you to be (Heb 2:5–10). #LivingInDominion #IAmWhatGodSays
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
A respected Christian leader and pastor has said, “Hebrews 2:5–10 is one of the most exciting and thrilling passages of scripture to be found anywhere.“ Psalm eight is quoted here. God created man and gave him dominion over the Earth (Gen 1:26). He was crowned with glory and honor from God.
Angels, though higher in the order of creation, were not given authority over God‘s creation. That was reserved for man. You have to wonder, “What was Adam thinking when he rebelled against God?“ He had all he could possibly want, with power and authority over all things. Lord, I desire to be all that you intended me to be. No more…and no less.
Give praise for God’s grace given to man for his salvation (Heb 2:5-10). #DestinedToRule #SatanLoses
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In this passage I am looking “behind the curtain.“ In my mind‘s eye I am seeing one certain angelic being brooding over the fact that God created man a little lower than the angels, but then put him in charge of the world. Did Lucifer, right then and there, decide he would destroy man, leaving him and his angelic followers in charge?
Pride entered into Lucifer’s heart. He was expelled from Heaven (Ezk 28:2; Isa 14:12–14; Rev 12:7-9). He tempted Adam and Adam chose to follow Satan. But Satan could not succeed at his plan. Jesus becoming man robbed Satan of the opportunity. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isa 9:6). In the end, Satan and his followers, will be destroyed forever (Rev 20:10). Lord, you have clearly been looking out for me since the beginning of time.
Give full assent to the gospel message of Christ (Heb 2:1–4). #ASuperiorMessage #ASuperiorSavior
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In this passage declaring Christ as superior to angels, the writer addresses the teetering faith of these Hebrew Christians. If you believe the Law was given to Moses by angels (Deu 33:2; Acts 7:38,53; Gal 3:19) and Christ is superior to angels (Heb 1:1-13), how much more important is Christ’s message?
Jesus Christ fulfills all the Law (Mat 5:17). That was his message. Eye witnesses conveyed this truth, this salvation, to you. God confirmed this truth by many wonders, miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit. We today stand in this tradition of faith in Christ. Lord, I put my full faith and trust in you alone for salvation.
Remain fully engaged with the gospel message (Heb 2:1). #Don’tBeIndifferent #BeAlert #ListenWithYourFeet
Hey. … HEY!!
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
To treat the truth of Christ’s person and the gospel (Heb 1:1-13) with casual acceptance is to haplessly miss its personal atoning affect. If there is no intentional effort to listen with a view towards obedience, then the chances are you’ll slip by it and not realize it. Could be fatal.
What is the writer saying to the Christian community here? Don’t confuse compliance with commitment. Don’t assume that someone sitting in church “hearing“ the message and more or less agreeing, giving mental ascent, is fully engaged in a vital relationship with Christ. Lord, May I assume nothing of anyone I encounter or engage with, in community.
Trust Christ alone for all of life and eternity (Heb 1:12b). #JesusForAllTime #JesusNeverChanges #CountOnJesus
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Hebrews 1:12 speaks to and confirms again, the permanency of the absolute and eternal reign of Christ, the regal King–Son. This universe (heavens and earth) will pass away. [Man can never “save the planet.“]
But no matter what happens in or to this world, Jesus remains the same, “yesterday, today and forever.” The writer already has in mind Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ is the one stable and dependable force in all of time and space. Lord, no matter what is going on around me, you are the one true and stable force in my life.
May we revere and exalt God as the only source and mover of the known universe (Heb 1:10–12). #GodIsBiggerThanWeThought
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Just in case you missed or misunderstood the message of Christ’s unique place outside the universe, God reiterates it here. Jesus, the “Son“ of God, set the foundation of the earth and, with his own hands, made the universe in which earth is suspended. He is like a man who exists outside the orb of a “sno-globe.” Wrap your head around that. How big is god? Indescribably big.
Then consider this: one day the entire known (and unknown) universe will perish. This universe will wear out like an old coat. According to Hebrews Ch1, Jesus will fold it up like old clothes and discard it.* There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Jesus, the “Son,“ shall reign there forevermore. For me to worship and depend upon anything in this world is laughable, foolhardy. Lord, you are the only lasting and dependable thing in the universe.
________
* Dare I make this anthropomorphistic comparison? Our universe is like the alternate universe (a giant movie set) created in the 1998 film classic, The Truman Show. When the show abruptly ended the “set” would presumably have been taken down and discarded, it’s purpose completed.
How big is God? He will one day fold up our old deteriorating universe (heaven & earth as we know it) and discard it in favor of a new heaven and a new earth (Isa 65:17; 66:22; Heb 12:26-28; Rev 21:1).
How arrogant am I, or any man or woman, be they leader or follower; sinner or saint. How feeble and weak are our prayers, plans and grand designs.
How small is our thinking that we believe that, “WE can save the planet.” OMG! All the Madero’s, Trump’s, Biden’s, Netanyahu’s, Chi’s, Macron’s, Putin‘s, Zelinsky‘s, Trudeau‘s of this world well one day bow their knee to the Lord of Glory.
How big is God? Words cannot describe the vast, enormous, immense and expansive knowledge, ability and power of God.
This simple prayer sentry stands speechless that the Lord of Glory would stoop down in Christ Jesus to communicate his love towards us; to listen to the praying saints of all time. Then answer.
Give all praise to the Lord of Glory (Heb 1:4–9,13,14). #GloryToGodInTheHighest #AllPraiseToJesusTheSon #LiftHighTheNameAboveAllNames
The Worship of Men and Angels
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
No heavenly being is called, “Son“ except Jesus. God calls him, “Son“ (Ps:m 2:7). He calls himself, “Father.“ Jesus is therefore supreme, superior to all other heavenly beings. They are servants. They do God’s bidding. Jesus sits in the place of honor. Heavenly beings worship him (Luke 2:13,14; Deu 32:43a [NLT] – Merry Christmas!).
The “Son“ sits at the right hand of God. He laid the foundation of the earth. His throne is above all thrones. His throne is forever (Psm 45:6-7). He is the anointed one (Messiah). He is joy forever more. Jesus is Lord of all. He has no equal in the universe. All the praise of this humble sentry is due him.
May our hearts be humbled at God’s gracious care for us (Heb 1:3,4). #MyHeartWorshipsJehovahGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Could anyone conceive of the greatness of God? Could anyone comprehend the majesty, power and heart of God? Never. No way, no how! But Jesus, God’s “Son,“ opens the door and gives me a glimpse into the nature and character of God.
“Genius,“ should be reserved solely as a description of God. Jesus, who created the world, also created the means (in woman) by which he would be introduced to mankind. Jesus humbled himself and came into that world by means of a virgin woman (Phi 2:5-11). His given name was Jeshua. It describes his work and mission – “God saves.“
The pre-existent Jesus, unlike any other created being, gives us the complete picture of God. We have seen his compassion. We will one day see his judgment. My understanding of all that God is amounts to less than a particle of soot from my fireplace. The scale of God’s majesty dwarfs my understanding and defies all comprehension.
But Jesus, God’s “Son,“ opens the door and gives me a glimpse into the nature and character of God. Lord, my heart is humbled that you cared to let me know of your love for me. My only response is to worship.
Listen to, follow and obey Jesus, God’s son (Heb 1:2,3). #JesusIsGod #JesusIsCreatorOfAllThings #JesusIsGodsSon
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
We read at the baptism of Jesus (Mat 3:16,17) God revealed two things about him: 1) Jesus is God’s son and 2) God was well pleased with him. Here God explains further his joy in his son, Jesus.
1) Jesus is heir of all things in his future reign; 2) he is creator of all things, setting forth God’s vision of a perfect universe; 3) he is the perfect reflection of God‘s glory and his very character; 4) he perfectly sustains all that he has created with a righteous and just power; 5) he cleansed us from all our sin at Calvary. Indeed, Jesus is the perfect reflection of God and worthy of all my allegiance and obedience.
May we grasp the meaning of God’s voice among us, in Christ (Heb 1:2).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In the ancient past God spoke through his prophets. But in these last days (we’ve been in the last days since Jesus came), in these final days of history, God has spoken once and for all time through his son, Jesus. “If you have seen and heard me,“ Jesus said, “you have seen and heard the father“ (John 12:49,50 hi; 14:9,10; Col 3:16).
Jesus is the final word. He is the definitive, superlative word of God. Read the words of Jesus out loud and you will hear God speaking audibly (HYP). The word of Christ is superior to and supersedes all other voices. Lord, I am riveted in place as I am grasping the meaning of the words and presence of Jesus among us. He is, “IMMANUEL!”
House Democrats Cheer as McCarthy Fails to Clinch Speakership Multiple Times
That headline broke my heart over the state of rancor and disunity in our Republic. it’s ugly tentacles have our citizenry in a stranglehold.
Satan rejoices in our division.
Scripture reminds me, “Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.” Proverbs 24:17-18
Lord, may we be principled yet respectful of one another.
My pastor once said, “If you want to hear God speak in an audible voice, read the Scriptures out loud.“ Scripture is the record of God speaking to mankind. When I read the Scripture I am absorbing, digesting, ingesting the very words of God.
God has spoken to us by the prophets and other men and women chosen by him to reveal his Word (2Ti 3:16; Heb 4:12). The beginning of wisdom is to reverence God and honor his word (Pro 1:1-7). Lord, I honor you, I honor your word given for me to know you.
The Prayer Sentry 