Hebrews 2:1-14
2 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?
5 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. 6 But one testified in a certain place, saying:
“What is man that You are mindful of him,
Or the son of man that You take care of him?
7 You have made him a little lower than the angels;
You have crowned him with glory and honor,
And set him over the works of Your hands.
8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”
For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying:
“I will declare Your name to My brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”
13 And again:
“I will put My trust in Him.”
And again:
“Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
The revelation of God’s grace to us in Jesus Christ ties His people together, making us His Church. He has come to different people at different times throughout history, but we all end up coming together into one holy body according to His truth and mercy. His people of Israel were given the promises and miracles that showed God’s love and faithfulness to man, but when the fulfillment of His promises were revealed in Christ Jesus He reveals that people from all nations might be made fellow heirs of everlasting life through faith in Him.
God comes to the world through the Word of His Son, and that Word attached to earthly elements—which we call Sacraments—bring peace and comfort. Jesus had a body of flesh and blood that was nailed to the cross for the atonement of our sins, and that same body was glorified in His resurrection from death, and ascension into Heaven. However, we cannot forget the fact that Christ still has a body of flesh and blood that is made up of the members of His Church!
For ages God has revealed that He fulfills His promises and accomplishes forgiveness through Jesus. Whether it is by the tribulations and miracles for historic Israel, the persecutions and ministry of St. Paul, or the struggles and confession of His saints in His Church today, all these things point to the cross of Jesus Christ where salvation is fully accomplished! Through faith we are made part of that same body, which lives, breathes, and shows forth God’s eternal purpose that comes to all mankind in His Word. Within this penitential Advent season, there is still a reserved rejoicing that God brings you to be united in Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come, that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mighty deliverance; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
