Credible

Hebrews 2, Psalm 10

I spent two days last week at the Global Leadership Summit, hosted this at Eastview Christian Church.  They presented a fantastic array of world-class that provided their wisdom, insight and instruction to become better leaders.  These talks are nothing new to me.  In fact, I consume an unbelievable amount of similar information every week.  I read blogs and books, listen to podcasts, even receive daily tips in my email.  Why?  Because I want to become everything that God created me to be.  Filling my heart and mind this way helps to assure my success. I must be careful, however, with who I listen to.

Each of last week’s speakers and authors has credibility.  For example, in her talk about forgiveness, Immaculee Ilibagaiza described, in detail, the horror and terror she experienced during the Rwanda genocide in 1994.  Her personal experience and resulting triumph offer me encouragement and hope in any circumstance. Clearly, she is a trustworthy source.  

As I reflect on last week’s speakers and consider Paul’s conversation with us today in Hebrews 2, I noticed an interesting correlation.  God, did the same thing.  He experienced life, just as we do, right here on earth.  He did it for two reasons.  First, so that he can understand exactly what it is like to be human. The only possible way to do so, was to send his son, in flesh and blood to live life, just like us.  

Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. Hebrews 2:4 (NLT) 

The second consideration in God’s becoming human is credibility.  Why should we listen to Jesus Christ?  What makes him an authority?  Simple, his performance during and after hardship and suffering prove his character.

Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 2:18 (NLT)

Thankfully, Jesus can help us better than any speaker or leadership guru. He conquered death.

For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Hebrews 2:14 (NLT)

Because of his living sacrifice, we are no longer bound, but are free.  Nothing can prevail against us (Matthew 16:18).  Nothing.