Week 1 Summary of March Bible Reading Challenge: Hebrews
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Welcome to the first weekly summary of our March Bible reading challenge! This week was all about Hebrews and I thought it was so good. Let’s dive in:
Chapter 1
I love the way the book of Hebrews is written; I believe that the personality of the author is unique to this book. Scholars vary on which apostle is assigned as author; while the majority believe it is Paul, some assign Luke and others think possibly Barnabas is the other. This is the first time I’m reading the book of Hebrews all the way through in the ESV; it’s so beautiful and strong.
My favorite verse is this first chapter? Verse 3.
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
The power of words is something I believe in, but to grasp the power of God’s Word that he spoke the world into existence? Mind-blowing.
Chapter 2
This chapter begins an explanation of Jesus as the Son of God. The writer explains that he is not in the same heavenly position as the angels and further explains that Jesus suffered in death to provide grace to all.
Which fact about Jesus from this chapter inspired you the most?
Chapter 3
This section of the epistle encourages the readers to stand strong in the faith. The writer explains the purpose of his letter on different levels:
Warning: Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. v. 12
Exhortation: But exhort one another every day, v. 13
Focus: For we have come to share in Christ… v. 14
I consider verse 4 to be a little nugget of wisdom tucked into this chapter; as the entire verse is contained within parentheses:
(For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.)
Chapter 4
Chapter 4 explains the way to find rest in God is to rest in His Word. The author references a few examples of Moses, Joshua and David. The entire chapter points toward the last verse, which was my favorite of this chapter:
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. v. 16
Are you in a time of need? RUN to his grace and mercy. Christ’s redemptive work on the cross and his miraculous resurrection gives us the privilege of running boldly to the throne of God.
Chapter 5
Wow, chapter 5 is so rich. Do you understand that in the Old Testament, the high priest interceded on behalf of the people? In his position, one of his many jobs was to take the blood of the sacrifices and sprinkle it on the mercy seat. When Jesus died and the temple veil was torn in two pieces, Jesus became the High Priest for all the world. He was ordained by God and obeyed God;therefore, we have direct access to the throne of God, as mentioned above.
I feel that this chapter is summarized by v. 9:
And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
What more can I say?
Jesus is everything. All I need. All you need.
Rachel
I recently became inspired to start reading the word of God again in order to grow my relationship with Christ. I had no idea where to start and this monthly challenge has been such a blessing. I started late because I didn’t decide to do this until yesterday, but already it’s been amazing. I read Hebrews 1-6 tonight and it was so rich.
I’m so excited to read more.
My favorite part from the first week’s readings was Hebrews 1:11-12 which states that all things will past away yet, God will remain forever and ever, unchanged.
Peace & Blessings!
So glad you can join in, Alysha!! That is totally awesome; we’re thrilled to have you join in!
Alisha, I’m a newby here, too. And I just realize that each of us has been miraculously called to be here. (Thanks to the miracle called Rachel!)
The Scripture you referenced about God’s constancy also spoke to me. In a world of constant change, it is wonderful to know He has always been and will always be. I continue to school myself in my faith to say in times of trial: God is in charge. There is immediate comfort as soon as I am able to use the moment to reaffirm that even I am a part of His Plan. Sometimes, for this take-charge, fix-it kind of woman, it takes awhile for me to get to this place of affirmation, but God’s Grace is always waiting on me.
Blessings,
Susen
Which fact about Jesus from this chapter [2] inspired you the most?
2:18
“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
This verse reminds me to call on Jesus in times of temptation of all kinds. Jesus knows what temptation is, where it comes from [Satan], and how to overcome. I NEED to remember to call out to Jesus more often.
I love this study on Hebrews. I’m not very familiar with Hebrews, so I find it refreshing, I’m learning and gaining insight. Chapter 2:1 says this: “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” This is so important because, for me, it’s so easy to fall—again and again.
Also, referring to Chapter 4: 9-11
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” What a beautiful word: SABBATH-REST, meaning GOD’S TYPE OF REST. I love this!! And, I am inspired to dig a little deeper into God’s meaning of this and get a better handle on how live it—obediently and as an example to others.
Enjoyed this am in Hebrews so much! Thank you Rachel for this reading plan and motivation to stay in the Scripture…and opportunity to share w/each other! I am reading from The Message and my favorite verses from Chapters 1 and 4 were the same as yours…I especially appreciated the translation: “Take the mercy, accept the help.” Unfortunately, I feel that I often live out my day to day details not grasping the fact that all I have to do is “accept” His help…it’s always there…just waiting on me to realize that, truly, “He holds everything together with His powerful Word”…and all I really have to do is ask Him for His help and accept it. JB, I also liked 3:1, “…take a good, hard look at JESUS”…how often I rush through my quiet time and prayer without really being still and focusing on Christ and ALL He has done for me-thank YOU LORD JESUS for EVERYTHING YOU ARE!
Oh I so love this Tonya! Beautiful.
Dear Rachel~
I, too, am so thankful for your powerful insights and for bringing us together to share in the reading of God’s word. Your print-outs are beautifully spirit-filled, and, although I’ve only been a member of this site for a few weeks, I already need to get new ink cartridges!
Speaking to the power of God’s word: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit . . and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
Wow! I will use that image of sharpness as a self-regulator to help me attack all that is not Goodness within my heart as well as what might otherwise come out of my mouth.
Blessings,
Susen
What a fresh approach to that verse- this is what I love about sharing. New insights from the spirit-led thoughts of others.
In chapter 2, I found verse 18 to be the most inspirational in that Jesus understands temptation because he had suffered it; he is able to help those who find themselves in temptation.
Verse 3:1 spoke to me with “fix your thoughts on Jesus”
Chapter 4:
Verse 2 tells us we should “combine it with faith” which pushed me to reflect on myself and my faith and how often I do just that. Verses 12-13,15-16 then pushed my reflection further in that God’s word is living and active. We will be judged but once again Jesus understands our temptation to sin so we should be able to go to Him and ask for mercy.
I sometimes need to remember that I am not expected to be perfect but that Jesus does understand and if I do not go to him I cannot receive His grace that He gave His life for.
Chapter 5 Verse 8 “Although He was a son, he learned obedience from what He suffered.”
I’m so thankful for you taking the time to help us bring Scripture to life! I’m loving this!!
I “Amen” what Kela said!