Reunited Family

Hebrews 2:10-11 In bringing many children into glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
 
DO you read this and know God’s expansive love for you? You can immediately see his love in the phrase bringing many children into glory. Think of it. Where were we?
   Stained with Adam’s sin, we were born cast from Eden, barred from God’s presence. We were dead in transgressions (Ephesians 2:5). We were alienated from God and were enemies in (our) minds because of (our) evil behavior (Colossians 1:21).
   But in his great love for us, God the Father delegated God the Son to bring many children into his glory, to come back home. These are not just a few people or a small chosen group to enter into a holy relationship with God. “Many” means a large, diverse number of people of all social classes, cultural and religious backgrounds. In the early church, God quickly brought thousands of people into his glory. Communities and countries began to change as God’s children loved God and loved others.
   How were they called? Jesus, the source of life became the perfect sacrifice. This does not mean Jesus had to suffer to become perfect. It does mean that Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for God’s many children. His suffering and death is God’s holy pathway to God’s glory.
   Our suffering Savior became our holy Brother. With love and joy he welcomes us into God’s family. Jesus is not bitter that he had to suffer such a horrible death for our souls. He does not complain that the Father gave him an unworthy mission or a work that was beneath his glory.
   But Jesus’ work on the cross is the means to a joyful family reunion. Through Jesus we have rejoined God into Eden’s holy relationship. God has fulfilled his promises and prophesies. Jesus has overcome the hateful sin nature that broke the family union. We can now be holy with God, together as one people.
   Again Hebrews returns to the Old Testament Scriptures that point to God’s victory. In Hebrews 12:12, he quotes Psalm 22:22 “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.”  And from Isaiah 8:17-18 Hebrews 2:13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.”
   Praise God for the holy family reunion. Sing praises to Jesus. He is your perfect Savior. Trust him. He has led you into glory.