Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Seventh Christmas Day
Hebrews 2:10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
HE SHALL BE CALLED: THE CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION
Think of the frontline soldiers who serve in our country's military. We marvel at their willingness to lay down their lives so that we can go about our lives in safety and peace.
But a soldier's confidence in facing the enemy, in large part, comes from his commander. A wise and fearless captain, who cares about his troops, is one who inspires bravery. A trustworthy leader is one the troops are willing to follow when the going gets tough.
Jesus is the Captain of our Salvation. He is our leader as we make our way through enemy territory to our home above. The enemies we face are relentless, doing all within their power to destroy us eternally. Satan fires his missiles of temptation at us every day. The world waits to ambush our faith. Our sin nature within wants us to turn traitor and join the enemy.
But every day our Captain speaks His words of life to our battle weary souls. He builds up our confidence in Him through His message of faithful love and free forgiveness. In the heat of battle He calls us forward. "Don't give up!" He cries. "Follow Me! It won't be long before you can lay down your weapons and claim your eternal rest."
But Jesus is not a Captain merely in the sense that He leads us bravely forward to claim our salvation. Jesus Himself is the source of our salvation. He has already single-handedly defeated our enemies when He spilled His blood on the cross, and then rose triumphant from the grave. The battle for eternal life in heaven is one we could do nothing to win. Jesus did it all, and "It is finished!"
As we wait to join our Savior at the Great Feast of Victory in heaven, we count on our Captain to give us courage and strength to face the spiritual terrorists which confront us everyday. Our Captain is almighty, all-wise, and all-caring. He has won the war for our eternal souls. We follow on, confident he will lead us safely home.
