CFNN Reporter: Brianna Keen and Brandon Simpson

This Tuesday, I led the devotion coming from Hebrews 2:14-18. I used to sort of push aside Hebrews, but now it is my favorite book in the Bible! For this specific scripture, it is important to understand the context. Paul wrote Hebrews, and he is writing to the Hebrews in response to their worshipping of angels and other biblical figures that aren’t Jesus. His goal in this passage is to direct the glory back to God and His son and to call out the idol worship the Hebrews were committing. 

Hebrews 2:14-18 says:

 [14] “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, [15] and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. [16] For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. [17] Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. [18] For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” 

This is such an incredible piece of scripture to me because it is basically the Gospel summed up. Think about what Paul is saying here. Jesus destroyed death. That was the only “power” the devil had and Jesus made a joke of it. I urge you to wrestle with the fact that Jesus died on the cross and then rose three days later. Do you truly believe that it happened? This question is essential to the Christian belief, so I plead that you reflect on that truth. When you genuinely believe that these stories are real life events that occurred and not just flashy myths, you will discover a much deeper and more profound awe of your savior Jesus Christ. I mean think about it: Jesus Christ died and then rose from the dead, all out of love for us! Believe that He cares about you and me, His beloved creation. He chooses in His eminent mercy to help US, not the angels that the Hebrews were worshipping. But to do that, Jesus needed to become flesh. He needed to become the high priest to make propitiation for our sins. Jesus Christ was the propitiationer, but also the propitiation. This is why He is the suffering servant. Remember that everything you go through in life, Jesus understands. He went through it all. He knows better than anyone what it feels like to be betrayed, mocked, ignored, misunderstood, etc. We need to grasp the reality that Jesus is the ONLY PERSON who can fully understand our pains AND our joys. No one in this life will ever compare to Him. They can get close to understanding, but they never truly will. You will always have God on your side, so start living like it. We can live with a confidence that is only found in the true high priest. This doesn’t mean be haughty and arrogant, but rather go through life reassured and washed with the love of Jesus. 

Brandon Simpson’s insight: 

On Thursday morning, Coach Britt led the FCA devotional titled “Unrealistic Expectations.” The scripture was 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which says “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 

The focus of the lesson really revolved around this verse; sometimes it can be considered unrealistic to pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances because we go through hardships even as Christians. Groups discussed how relying on each other as fellow believers can really help with this, since we are able to build off each other and hold each other accountable. It can be hard, especially for teens, to have this reliance on each other for something as serious as a relationship with Jesus. However, this is what I find so great about our group: the kids that show up to this are showing another maturity level just by waking up earlier to further their relationship with Christ. This is a very tight knit group that cares about each other and puts drama aside to build each other up. It’s been a huge blessing to have this club as I’ve gone through my high school career. 

Thank you for reading, and remember to pick up your cross daily! If you would like to join us, we meet every Tuesday at 7:45 and every Thursday at 8:00, and would love to have you! Also, our team shop with Colts for Christ apparel is now open, so go get some merch for your favorite club at Cape Fear!