Perfected through suffering

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge in you, O God! How unsearchable are your judgments, all your paths are beyond tracing out! Who has know the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? (Romans 11:33-35, NIV)

Lord, your ways are higher than our ways, your thoughts are beyond our thinking. As we read your Word, may the mind of Christ our Savior who lives in us open our eyes to spiritual truth. Amen.

Scripture Reading - Hebrews 2:10-18 (ESV)
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying,

“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

And again, “I will put my trust in him.”

And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for declaring the name of the Father to us. Thank you for sanctifying us by your suffering in the flesh. By it, we may enter the presence of the Father - Behold, I and the children God has given me. As you present us to the Father, may our lives worship him alone.

Lord Jesus, by your death, you destroyed Satan, became our sympathetic high priest and made atonement for our sins. O merciful and faithful High Priest, forgive us for when we have been ashamed to call you brother. Forgive us for when we have not called on you in the midst of temptation, you who is able to help those who are being tempted. Forgive us for the times we avoid the path of suffering, seeking our own comfort and leaving the Kingdom behind.

Heavenly Father, we are dependent on this Jesus-won victory over Satan. We confess you have the power to overcome his evil schemes. Father, free us from the slavery of fear. May your resurrection power infuse our lives today as we offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to you.

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen (Romans 11:36, NIV)

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.