Glory

This week, I am looking at a few verses from Hebrews 2:9-11: "But we see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren."

This verse struck me as I contemplated the significance of God's grace in Jesus' death. Many times when we think about our salvation and the gift of grace we have received, it is only through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. While that is key to our understanding of faith and salvation, this act shows us much about who God is.

Why was it necessary to send Jesus to earth and die for the sins of the world?

Many commentaries stress the idea that God wanted to restore glory to humanity. His purpose in creating man was for His glory, and after the fall He needed to fulfill His original plan. The only way God could do this was to send Jesus (who was "perfectly qualified") to be the Savior of God's children. Because of Christ's sufferings, we can now enter into God's Kingdom and family. 

While it is an honor to realize that God sent His Son to die for us because God loved us so much and wanted us to be a part of His Glory, it is important to keep a Christ-centered belief. This is not a truth that should raise up pride and selfishness in humanity, but increase our gratitude and appreciation for what God has done. We are to recognize His acts of love and grace for HIS glory, not ours. 

Through this we also see God's faithfulness. He longs to sanctify His people, and "He is not ashamed to call them brethern" (2:11). God did not let sin keep Him from fulfilling His purpose to bring us to Himself. And that is reason enough to praise Him! F.F. Bruce said, "sanctification is glory begun and glory is sanctification completed". And sanctification brings our identity as children of God. One day that identity will be made complete and we will be able to experience God's glory...another picture of God's incredible love. 

What a blessing it is to know that God is not ashamed to call us His own. And that Jesus, as a reflection of God's character, has kindly considered us brothers and sisters. When God allowed Jesus to be the mediator between Himself and man, He allowed man to experience a family relationship with Himself. But again, this should in no way cause us to think highly of ourselves, for we know we are still an imperfect people who are slowly being sanctified and prepared to experience God in the fullness of His glory. How wonderful is His patience!

Research from: The Epistle to the Hebrews by F.F Bruce and The Epistle of the Hebrews: commentary on Greek Text by Paul Ellingworth