Mom, what can I have for a snack?
I love this question, because it means they likely haven’t raided the cookies or candy yet.
The fun of a sweet treat is great, but for the sake of everyone’s health, we try to encourage fruit and veggies for a snack, reminding them–and ourselves–that it’s something better.
If you’re familiar with the book of Hebrews, you likely recall Hebrews 11 as the “Hall of Faith” and maybe the first verses of chapter 12, with words to spur us on to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb 12:2).
But what is the rest of the book about?
In “Hebrews For You,” Dr. Kruger teaches us that the whole theme of this epistle is that Jesus is better. We learn how Jesus did not come to abolish the Old Testament law, but to fulfill it, by becoming a better priest, a better prophet and a better sacrifice.
The book of Hebrews quickly introduces us to quotes from the Old Testament, then references to the old covenant and its sacrificial system. Here’s where we can get lost, wondering what this has to do with Jesus and our own present-day realities. The history and relevance escape us, which doesn’t position us well to interpret, nor apply the passages.
This is where “Hebrews for You” is an excellent resource. It reminds us that the Bible is one whole book, inspired by God, and if we apply ourselves to learn and understand the context, we are better equipped in our understanding: Because as Hebrews unfolds, drawing in these Old Testament truths, we see with fresh eyes the unity of scripture and the beauty of God’s story.
“So, the story of Jesus not a new story, but the finishing of an old one. The writer to the Hebrews is showing us that we need to look back at how God spoke at first, in order to understand how that led up to his final word in Jesus.”
This is so important for us as we seek to understand the Bible. The Old Testament can be
tough, with all the history and the law, but as we fit together the pieces we see how it’s really all about the gospel, with Jesus at the center.
I really enjoyed Dr Kruger’s style of writing. He writes with invitation and conviction, and I was easily drawn in to the cultural context of Israel, and apply it practically for my life today, through the great reflection questions.
“Hebrews For You” by Micheal Kruger is a new commentary; part of the “God’s Word For You” series written to help you read, feed and lead in the Word. Each traverses a book of the bible, verse by verse, for the regular believer, sitting in the pews, to learn and grow in their study of the scriptures. If you want to check out one of the commentaries, this month’s free ebook is “John 13-21 For You” by Josh Moody.
So, as you dive into your nutritious snack, remembering that it’s better for you, recall with a grateful heart and thanksgiving, how Jesus is better; a better prophet, a better priest and a better sacrifice, fulfilling everything God spoke from the beginning.
*A big thanks to the Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review.
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