Heb.3:1 – Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession: Jesus;
Over the last several years there has been a widespread drift toward worldly attitude and behavior throughout the church; maybe the troubles that became more widespread since 2020 have set in on God’s people. Now, there seems to be a new hunger or passion for purity and holiness stirring amongst God’s people. Paul said that “without holiness no one will see the Lord”. In today’s verse, he is saying that we should consider or ponder Jesus again. It is in this gazing upon Christ that our world begins to change. The appeal of the world begins to fade as our passion for Christ increases. Make an intentional effort to gaze upon Christ today. Albert Barnes discusses this in his commentary, maybe his words will help.
“Attentively ponder all that is said of the Messiah. Think of his rank; his dignity; his holiness; his sufferings; his death; his resurrection, ascension, intercession. Think of him, that you may see the claims to a holy life; that you may learn to bear trials; that you may be kept from apostasy. The character and work of the Son of God are worthy of the profound and prayerful consideration of every man; and especially every Christian should reflect much on him. Of the friend that we love we think much; but what friend have we like the Lord Jesus?”
Barnes gives us specific aspects of Christ to ponder. Examine His rank- King of kings and Lord of lords. Think of His dignity- there is no one that comes close to the majesty and honor that radiates from Him. Ponder His death- no one died like Jesus. His death washes me clean from my sin. Consider His resurrection- Christ defeated our greatest enemy; death. Death has lost its sting for His followers. Think about His ascension- He was exalted like no other man to the Father’s right hand. This changes everything since we are seated with Him at the Father’s right hand. Ponder His intercession- Jesus prays for me constantly- that alone is beyond anything I can imagine.
So maybe your thoughts have been dominated with the troubles of this life; we all know there is plenty of that to go around. Today, we will ponder our Lord rather than our circumstances. What will be the result? We will be like Him and holiness will be our portion.
