Hebrews 3:1-6 "Our Shared Calling"

2010-07-30


3:1-6

(v1) “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.”

(v6) “But Christ is faithful as a Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.”

(v1) “…who share in the heavenly calling…”

There are many things that could be extracted from this passage. However, there is one thing that I feel of great importance. Anyone can tell me that this passage is telling us that Jesus is greater than Moses. But to us as Christians in this age, it is not hidden but rather a know fact to all. Regardless of the importance of conveying this fact to the Jews at that time, to us, this passage has to impact us beyond the apparent fact.

The fact that could be more mind boggling to the us and the Jews at that time is not that Moses is lower than Jesus, but the fact that Moses is a part of the house that Jesus is building. The reason behind the ‘wow’ effect is that we too are building blocks of the house that Jesus is building. If that hasn’t grabbed your attention yet, deductive reasoning behind this fact is that we, the normal Joes of this world are at par with the likeness of Moses, Daniel, Elijah, David and Abraham.

Think about it. When we read the bible, how many times do people read the stories and think, ‘Wow, what a awesome life these people are leading?’ But the author of Hebrews is telling us that we are equal is position with these ‘greats’ of old. Or in another perspective, these ‘greats’ are equal with us ‘the normal Joes.’

Then why aren’t we living lives like these men? Why aren’t we leading a ton o’ people across the desert, challenging the kings of this world to a spiritual duals, etc? Why aren’t we making the impact that these men are making? Why can’t our lives be as awesome as theirs? If God thinks that we are on par with each other, what is the difference, or rather what has enabled God to use them in such a way whilst we are struggling through this bondage called ‘life?’ Why can’t I receive such a calling?

“…who share in the heavenly calling…” I have picked this passage because of one word, ‘share.’ This one word can change how you look at your vision in Christ.

If God’s calling for Moses was to free the Israelites from Egypt and lead them the promise land, the author of Hebrews could not have used the word ‘share.’ Most definitely God did not call me to lead the Israelites from Egypt nor has he called me to become King of a country (well I don’t think yet ^^). But the passage says, “…who share in the heavenly calling…”

So what calling do we share? It is interesting because I find that even not long ago I was praying, “God what do you want of me? What do you want me to do? What is your vision for me? What? What? What? What?” But isn’t I obvious? What God wants of us?

(v6) “…hold on...”

What he wants as with ‘great’ people of old is for us to hold on. Hold on to the “…courage and the hope of which we boast.” And by holding on and not letting go we are able to stay in close proximity with God. And when one is in close contact with another he gets to know the person. God wants us to ‘hold on’ and to come closer to God. (The last bit was a bit rushed but this idea is of such importance that I wanted to just give a hint and later expand in another opportunity.)

What is my calling?

-Worm