Devotional. 1.10.25

 

Devotional on Hebrews 3:1-3, Psalm 52

 

Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, ² who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. ³ For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 

 

This Sunday we will continue in our sermon series Psalms: Heart, Soul, and Mind with Psalm 52. As I was reading this psalm, with the lyrics of our morning worship songs playing in my head, I was struck by the awareness of choice. David is writing during a very difficult and dangerous time, and yet chooses worship instead of despair. 

 

God gave us the gift of free will, the ability to make choices and to have discernment. Many of us have started 2025 with goals, or resolutions. How are those going? As many as a quarter of all resolutions are broken within the first week of January. Why? Because when confronted with a choice, people don’t always choose the better option.

 

We will reflect on what is “better” this Sunday as we sing. In preparing your heart for worship this weekend, consider that Jesus is better … the better Adam (Romans 5); better than angels (Hebrews 1); better than Moses (Hebrews 3); better high priest (Hebrews 4-5); better promise (Hebrews 6); better covenant (Hebrews 8); better tabernacle (Hebrews 9); better sacrifice (Hebrews 10). 

 

As we gather together, each coming with different burdens or joys, let us collectively choose to worship Jesus [who] has been counted worthy of more glory (Hebrews 3:3). That is the best choice!

YouTube playlist for January 10, 2025.

 

 

 

Sermon Notes: 

A 900+ year old tree in the Garden of Gathesemane 

Notice the harsh, arid, and rocky climate

A shoot (green olive tree) from the root - Isaiah 11

The Olive Tree 

 

Psalm 52:8

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.

 

Resiliency, enduring in the harshest of climates, producing fruits in every season.

 

A Symbol of Peace and Reconciliation – Dove and Olive Branch Genesis 8:11

A Symbol of Blessing and Prosperity - Deuteronomy 8:7-8

A Symbol of Anointing and Consecration - Exodus 30:22-33; 1 Samuel 16:13

A Symbol of Faithfulness and Fruitfulness - Psalm 52:8; Hosea 14:6

A Symbol of God’s Covenant People - Jeremiah 11:16; Romans 11:17-24

 

Romans 11:17–18

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 

 

A Symbol of Endurance and Hope 

The Olive Press - a video from Nazareth Village

Psalm 52  - A Tale of Two Trees

 

A Maskil (a song for instruction) 

 

Context: David Flees from Saul - 1 Samuel 21:1-4a, 6-9; 22:9-23

 

1.   The Fruit Reveals the Root – 1-4

Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

 

2.   The Gardner Works Justice – 5-7

Pruning of the Wicked 

Proverbs 2:22 – but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.

 

John 15:1-5 

 

Futility of Wealth

Proverbs 11:4 - Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

 

James 5:1–3

1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.

 

3.   The Righteous will Flourish – 8-9

 

Green Olive Tree – House of God

 

Proverbs 18:10 - The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

 

You have done it!

 

John 19:30 - When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

 

Hebrews 10:12–14

[12] But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, [13] waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. [14] For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

 

2 Corinthians 5:17

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

 

I Will Wait – 

 

Romans 12:19–21

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

 

Heap burning coals - David honor’s the LORD’s anointed and trusts God for vengeance -  1 Sam 24:6, 12; 26:9-10

 

Presence of the Godly

Hebrews 10:24–25

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.