From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Tue, Dec 20, 2022 at 6:12 AM
Subject: 12-20-22 THOUGHTS
12-20-22 THOUGHTS
There is a most powerful idea embedded in our reading this morning. Jesus left his glory and came down to this world to save us from sin. The “cost picture” is unavoidable. The humbling, the pain, the suffering, the death, all part of this willing sacrifice for our sin. As a sin offering, it had to take place “outside the camp” or city in Christ’s time. See Num 15:29-36. The lesson offered for us, starting in verse 13, is that we are not to embrace and enjoy this world, but we are to seek a “city which is to come!” We live spiritually, not physically! In that, we copy Jesus. “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” NOT NOW, BUT THEN! NOT HERE, BUT THERE!
Heb 13:10-21 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. 15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. 18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner. 20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Heb 11:13-16 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
My Prayer:
Father, teach us more and more to see the spiritual over the physical. May the fruit of our lips tell the awesome story of Jesus to a lost and dying world. Give us the life and zeal to accomplish this, O God. Give us power in our souls and a reviving of our spirits, that we each will bear fruit for the kingdom. Help us each, to find our place and stand in some needed gap. Help us to not squander, where you have blessed. May we lift up your name and tell the good news of Jesus. We pray ever in His name, Amen.