Welcome to Day 2241 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Hebrews-7 Piritual Surgery by a Sympathetic Surgeon – Daily Wisdom

Putnam Church Message – 05/28/2023 “Spiritual Surgery by a Sympathetic Surgeon” Hebrews 4:12-16 Last, we continued our extended series through the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. We learned that we need to Stop Churning and Start Resting. Today in Hebrews 4:12-16, we will learn how the Great Physician will perform Spiritual Surgery. Let’s begin by reading today’s passage. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Jesus the Great High Priest Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Two weeks ago, we learned the author warned the Jewish Christians who were tempted to drift from their devotion to the Messiah, about the dangers of a hard heart (Heb. 3:7–19). Last week, we learned the common symptoms of a calloused heart include the pride and panic that prevent believers from experiencing the healing rest God offers to His children (4:1–11). Therefore, the hardness of the heart continues to be an acute condition that robs believers of faith, love, and hope—the essentials of a healthy Christian life.   Unfortunately, no medication can soften a spiritually hard heart. No physical therapy can reverse a person’s pride. No high-priced physician can perform a spiritual procedure to remove the heart-stopping panic threatening true joy in the Christian life. From a strictly human perspective, there is no treatment for the tendency toward hard-heartedness inherited from our fallen, depraved ancestors. But don’t despair! Our sympathetic, divine Surgeon, the Word of God incarnate, wields a spiritual precision scalpel—which is the written Word of God. Christ alone is able—and willing—to perform a heart transplant, to remove the “heart of stone” that has become insensitive to spiritual things and replace it with a “heart of flesh” that beats in rhythm with His (Ezek. 11:19). “And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart.” And the only thing it will require of you is an earnest desire to sing with King David, a man after God’s own heart, these words: “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me,” (Ps. 51:10). Which was one of our praise songs today. In Hebrews 4:12–16, we’ll see that the truth of God’s written Word, in the hands of the Master Surgeon, has the ability to cut into our hearts and minds—not to destroy, but to heal. Though often painful, spiritual surgery is a vital part of the process that leads to God’s healing rest. And we can place ourselves on the operating table with complete confidence, knowing that the hands of the Surgeon are guided by love. 4:12–13 At first glance, 4:12–13 appears to be a verbal detour interrupting the natural path of the argument. So far, Hebrews 4 has dealt with the promise of God’s rest and our need to enter it by faith/belief and obedience. Suddenly, amid a sprint, the author discusses God’s Word. This understandably leaves us wondering how these two verses fit into the context of entering God’s rest. However, we begin to understand when we recall the bigger context of hard-heartedness (3:7–19). Lingering unbelief, rebellion, pride, and fear from our natural sinful condition are major physical handicaps that slow us down in our journey to spiritual rest and the victorious life in Christ. The respite in 4:12–13 allows us to address the issues setting us back / and preventing us from making spiritual progress. It is as if the author of Hebrews were saying, “All right, everybody, STOP! This lingering condition of a calloused heart has dogged your spiritual progress long enough. It’s time to take care of it once and for all!” To that end, the writer turns our attention to God’s Word, examining its identity, characteristics, abilities, and implications for us. We begin by zooming in on its identity as “the word of God” (4:12). Most would immediately assume the author had the Old Testament in mind—and we would be partly correct. But in Scripture, the phrase “word of God” can refer to several related things. First, it can refer to the written Word of God, Holy Scripture (John 10:35; 2 Pet. 1:19–20). Second, it can refer to the ultimate embodiment of truth, the Word of God incarnate, Jesus Christ (John 1:14). Third, it frequently refers to the message of God proclaimed—the spoken word of God (Phil. 1:14; 1 Thes. 2:13). In this broader, threefold sense, the “word of God” includes anything communicating God’s revealed truth. Scripture (the written Word) and Christ (the Word incarnate/flesh) do this with verbal infallibility. Biblically faithful teachers can teach God’s word from the pulpit or classroom, / biblical counselors can speak God’s word to hurting clients, / and a praise team can sing God’s word in the biblically grounded lyrics of a hymn or chorus. / Regardless of the means God uses to communicate it, His life-giving message—based on the written Word of God and pointing to the Word of God incarnate—nourishes, heals, and refreshes those who hear it in faith. So, when the author of Hebrews refers to the “Word of God” in 4:12, we should think of God’s revealed truth, however, He has chosen to deliver it to us. In the strictest sense, it is the inspired words of the prophets and apostles. However, that revealed truth can be amplified through Christian writers' written pages, teachers’ lessons, preachers’ sermons, biblically centered songs, and even conversations concerning spiritual matters. This doesn’t mean those various avenues are inspired and without error. But it does mean that God conveys His revealed truth to motivate His people through these various means. Now, let’s consider the characteristics of God’s revealed truth. Looking closely at 4:12 again, we find three words used to describe God’s word: alive, active (powerful), and sharp. First, the word of God is ALIVE. The Bible is no dead book; the gospel message is no empty mantra; and Jesus is no mere figure of history buried by centuries of myths and legends. Jesus is alive! The gospel saves! And the Bible is always relevant to everyday life. Second, the word of God is ACTIVE. The Greek word translated “active” is energēs, from which we get our English word energy. God’s revealed word is effective and powerful. It accomplishes what it sets out to do. This reminds me of God’s description of the effective power of His revealed word in Isaiah 55:10–11: “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” God’s dynamic word does what nothing else can do. No poem, however beautiful; no song, however moving; and no novel, however inspiring, can accomplish what God’s powerful word can. And what does it accomplish in its power? Hebrews 4:12-13 answers that question.   Third, the word of God is SHARP. The author uses the metaphor of a double-edged sword to describe its abilities. The Greek word for the sword is machaira, “a relatively short sword or other sharp instrument,” including a “dagger.” Whether the author had in mind a dagger sharpened on both sides, or a blade sharpened on both edges, his purpose of comparison is the same. Imagine the sharpest knife or surgeon scalpel. The word of God is sharper still. If the author were writing today, he might use the image of a scalpel made of surgical steel. In other words, the word of God isn’t a blunt instrument used to bludgeon God’s opposition. Instead, it has a razor-thin edge that can precisely cut through whatever it penetrates. So, what does the living, powerful, sharp word of God do? Let’s finally consider its two abilities: penetrates and judging (4:12). First, the Greek word translated “to penetrate” (diikneomai) means “to move through a three-dimensional space with exact precision.” The word of God penetrates deeply into the innermost life. It can probe so deeply and with such precision that the author illustrates its cunning ability by mentioning two things that would typically be difficult to separate—soul and spirit, and joints and marrow. Interestingly, he refers to aspects of our immaterial and material parts. The point seems to be that the word of God “affects in a most comprehensive manner the whole person.” Think of our modern technology today using advanced surgical techniques. Most serious operations are completed with precision robotics, where the surgeon guides precise instruments and makes a tiny incision. Sometimes from a different room. With today’s internet connections and the right equipment, operations can be done anywhere in the world remotely. Even this type of surgery does not match the precision of the master sympathetic surgeon who operates on our hearts with the Word of God. Second, the word of God exhibits an uncanny ability to judge (4:12). The Greek word kritikos is not meant in a legal or judicial sense, but in a mental sense of discerning, analyzing, or scrutinizing. We get our words critical, criticize, and critique from this term. The word of God can sift through “the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The NLT puts it this way. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. God’s probing truth functions like a high-resolution body scan that can show details nothing else can reveal. It exposes our deepest feelings, desires, instincts, passions, and motives. In the hands of a loving Master Surgeon, imagine what such a razor-sharp spiritual instrument can accomplish! This is precisely the thought that strikes the writer of Hebrews in 4:13. When people suspect something is wrong with them physically, some will put off going to the doctor. They fear a terrible report. Or they don’t want to face a painful procedure. Or maybe they think they’ll get better or can treat their symptoms at home. Whatever the reason, many resist placing themselves under the care of the person who could help them the most. The same is true in the spiritual realm. Those who desire spiritual health should never fear the word of God or the God of the Word who applies it to our lives. In 4:13, the author seems to sum up the teaching of Psalm 139, a critical passage that teaches God’s omnipresence (He is everywhere present) and omniscience (He is all-knowing). Psalm 139:1-6 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! 4:14–16 But who is this Great Physician who holds in His steady hand the powerful Word of God and qualifies by His nature to bring healing to our souls? The answer in Hebrews 4:14–16 shouldn’t surprise us. He has been the theme of the entire letter to the Hebrews from the first chapter. In 4:14, the initial word, “therefore,” indicates what the author has been saying about the word of God (4:12) and “of him to whom we must give account,” (4:13) points us ultimately to our great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God (4:14). Jesus Christ, the Word of God incarnate, is the One who bears the blade of the inspired word of God—not as a sword to punish, but as a scalpel to heal. By delving deeply into our lives to uncover the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (4:13), Jesus Christ can strengthen our confession of faith and lead us into the spiritual rest God has made available to His people (4:11). The two natures of Christ—His full deity and full humanity—are manifested for us in the comparison of 4:14–16. In 4:14, we are reminded that He is the “Son of God” who has “who has ascended into heaven.” This image emphasizes His divine, heavenly nature. Then, in 4:15–16, the fullness of His humanity is displayed. Jesus Christ has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin, (4:15). The same circumstances, situations, and allurements that bombard us daily also assaulted Him. The Son of Man didn’t float through life in a catatonic state as a zombie with a blindfold and earplugs. He saw, heard, and felt all these trials and temptations. But unlike us, He didn’t sin—not in thought, word, or deed. Because of His genuine experiences as a real human, Jesus can empathize with our weaknesses (4:15). Christ has been tested as we are tested. He has been weak as we are weak. He has suffered as we suffer. And He has come through it victoriously. As such, He is able to offer us grace—if we draw near to Him (4:16). As the perfect man who has identified with humans fully, He is a sympathetic and empathetic High Priest for us. As the perfect imager of God who knows our weaknesses completely, He is an able Healer. Because of Christ, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. (Or as the NLT says, let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.) As the incarnate God-man, Jesus is willing and able so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (4:16). Application: Hebrews 4:12–16 Submitting to the Surgeon, Our High Priest Some people have imagined that when Jesus finished His work on the cross and rose from the dead, He ascended into heaven to sit down, put up His feet, and retire. Nothing could be further from the truth (7:25). He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. He’s our High Priest. He stands ready to hear our pleas and petitions. He’s able to empathize with our pains and problems. So how does He provide us with the healing we so desperately need? In 4:12–16, the author makes it clear. First, we must submit to His healing touch. This means we don’t fight the Physician. We stop trying to self-diagnose our woes and self-treat our worries. Instead, we surrender our sins to Him. The best action I can think of to put this kind of obedient submission into practice is prayer. We must humbly submit to Him and confess our unwillingness and unworthiness. Then we ask Him to do His work, trusting Him as much as we would trust a skilled dentist or experienced surgeon. Yes, the heavenly Physician may cut where it hurts—especially as He treats the spiritual condition of a hard heart. But remember, He’s not harming you; He’s healing you. Second, we draw near to Him. Christ has invited us to come to Him so He can give us rest from our weariness and heavy burdens (Matt. 11:28). So do it! Show up for His appointments and allow Him to probe and pierce with His living, powerful word. Practically speaking, actively drawing near means reading or studying the Bible for daily nourishment—not to check a box or to achieve a goal, but to let the Surgeon use the truth of Scripture to discern the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. Read the Word, asking God to reveal areas of sin in your life that need repentance or points of pain in your life that need healing. Besides reading His Word, draw near to Him by drawing near to the church, the body of Christ, where He dwells by the Spirit. As we minister among others, building them up, they also minister to us—all by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, as we apply this passage to our lives by obediently submitting and actively drawing near, we allow the heavenly Surgeon to do the work only He can do through His living, powerful word. Next, we will continue our series on our adventure through the book of Hebrews. This is the last message in the first section of Hebrews: "Christ Is Superior in His Person.” Next, we will begin the second section, “Christ Is Superior as Our High Priest.” The message title is “God’s Son – Our Priest.” Please read Hebrews 5:1-10 for next week’s message. If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy. As we take this trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Day: 2241

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Hebrews-7 Piritual Surgery by a Sympathetic Surgeon – Daily Wisdom

/: 2023

“Spiritual Surgery By A Sympathetic Surgeon” Hebrews 4:12-16

ing today’s passage on page: 1866

 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus the Great High Priest

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

 

Two weeks ago, we learned the author warned the Jewish Christians who were tempted to drift from their devotion to the Messiah, about the dangers of a hard heart (Heb. 3:7–19). Last week, we learned the common symptoms of a calloused heart include the pride and panic that prevent believers from experiencing the healing rest God offers to His children (4:1–11). Therefore, the hardness of the heart continues to be an acute condition that robs believers of faith, love, and hope—the essentials of a healthy Christian life.

Unfortunately, no medication can soften a spiritually hard heart. No physical therapy can reverse a person’s pride. No high-priced physician can perform a spiritual procedure to remove the heart-stopping panic threatening true joy in the Christian life. From a strictly human perspective, there is no treatment for the tendency toward hard-heartedness inherited from our fallen, depraved ancestors.

ats in rhythm with His (Ezek.: 11:19

In Hebrews 4:12–16, we’ll see that the truth of God’s written Word, in the hands of the Master Surgeon, has the ability to cut into our hearts and minds—not to destroy, but to heal. Though often painful, spiritual surgery is a vital part of the process that leads to God’s healing rest. And we can place ourselves on the operating table with complete confidence, knowing that the hands of the Surgeon are guided by love.

4:12–13

At first glance, 4:12–13 appears to be a verbal detour interrupting the natural path of the argument. So far, Hebrews 4 has dealt with the promise of God’s rest and our need to enter it by faith/belief and obedience. Suddenly, amid a sprint, the author discusses God’s Word. This understandably leaves us wondering how these two verses fit into the context of entering God’s rest.

However, we begin to understand when we recall the bigger context of hard-heartedness (3:7–19). Lingering unbelief, rebellion, pride, and fear from our natural sinful condition are major physical handicaps that slow us down in our journey to spiritual rest and the victorious life in Christ. The respite in 4:12–13 allows us to address the issues setting us back / and preventing us from making spiritual progress. It is as if the author of Hebrews were saying, “All right, everybody, STOP! (Stop Sign) This lingering condition of a calloused heart has dogged your spiritual progress long enough. It’s time to take care of it once and for all!” To that end, the writer turns our attention to God’s Word, examining its identity, characteristics, abilities, and implications for us.

of God, Holy Scripture (John: 10:35

In this broader, threefold sense, the “word of God” includes anything communicating God’s revealed truth. Scripture (the written Word) and Christ (the Word incarnate/flesh) do this with verbal infallibility. Biblically faithful teachers can teach God’s word from the pulpit or classroom, / biblical counselors can speak God’s word to hurting clients, / and a praise team can sing God’s word in the biblically grounded lyrics of a hymn or chorus. / Regardless of the means God uses to communicate it, His life-giving message—based on the written Word of God and pointing to the Word of God incarnate—nourishes, heals, and refreshes those who hear it in faith.

So, when the author of Hebrews refers to the “Word of God” in 4:12, we should think of God’s revealed truth, / however / He has chosen to deliver it to us. / In the strictest sense, it is the inspired words of the prophets and apostles. However, that revealed truth can be amplified through Christian writers' written pages, teachers’ lessons, preachers’ sermons, biblically centered songs, and even conversations concerning spiritual matters. This doesn’t mean those various avenues are inspired and without error. But it does mean that God conveys His revealed truth to motivate His people through these various means.

Now, let’s consider the characteristics of God’s revealed truth. Looking closely at 4:12 again, we find three words used to describe God’s word: alive, active (powerful), and sharp.

First, the word of God is ALIVE. The Bible is no dead book; the gospel message is no empty mantra; and Jesus is no mere figure of history buried by centuries of myths and legends. Jesus is alive! / The gospel saves! / And the Bible is always relevant to everyday life.

f His revealed word in Isaiah: 55:10

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens

    and stay on the ground to water the earth.

They cause the grain to grow,

    producing seed for the farmer

    and bread for the hungry.

11 It is the same with my word.

    I send it out, and it always produces fruit.

It will accomplish all I want it to,

    and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

God’s dynamic word does what nothing else can do. No poem, however beautiful; no song, however moving; and no novel, however inspiring, can accomplish what God’s powerful word can. And what does it accomplish in its power? Hebrews 4:12-13 answers that question.

Third, the word of God is SHARP. The author uses the metaphor of a double-edged sword to describe its abilities. (Hold up the sword) The Greek word for the sword is machaira, “a relatively short sword or other sharp instrument,” including a “dagger.” Whether the author had in mind a dagger sharpened on both sides, or a blade sharpened on both edges, his purpose of comparison is the same. Imagine the sharpest knife or surgeon scalpel. (picture in insert) The word of God is sharper still. If the author were writing today, he might use the image of a scalpel made of surgical steel. In other words, the word of God isn’t a blunt instrument used to bludgeon God’s opposition. Instead, it has a razor-thin edge that can precisely cut through whatever it penetrates.

So, what does the living, powerful, sharp word of God do? Let’s finally consider its two abilities: penetrates and judging (4:12).

First, the Greek word translated “to penetrate” (diikneomai) means “to move through a three-dimensional space with exact precision.” The word of God penetrates deeply into the innermost life. It can probe so deeply and with such precision that the author illustrates its cunning ability by mentioning two things that would typically be difficult to separate—soul and spirit, and joints and marrow. Interestingly, he refers to aspects of our immaterial and material parts. The point seems to be that the word of God “affects in a most comprehensive manner the whole person.” Think of our modern technology today using advanced surgical techniques. Most serious operations are completed with precision robotics, where the surgeon guides precise instruments and makes a tiny incision. Sometimes from a different room. With today’s internet connections and the right equipment, operations can be done anywhere in the world remotely. Even this type of surgery does not match the precision of the master sympathetic surgeon who operates on our hearts with the Word of God.

Second, the word of God exhibits an uncanny ability to judge (4:12). The Greek word kritikos is not meant in a legal or judicial sense, but in a mental sense of discerning, analyzing, or scrutinizing. We get our words critical, criticize, and critique from this term. The word of God can sift through “the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The NLT puts it this way. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. God’s probing truth functions like a high-resolution body scan that can show details nothing else can reveal. It exposes our deepest feelings, desires, instincts, passions, and motives. In the hands of a loving Master Surgeon, imagine what such a razor-sharp spiritual instrument can accomplish! This is precisely the thought that strikes the writer of Hebrews in 4:13.

When people suspect something is wrong with them physically, some will put off going to the doctor. They fear a terrible report. Or they don’t want to face a painful procedure. Or maybe they think they’ll get better or can treat their symptoms at home. Whatever the reason, many resist placing themselves under the care of the person who could help them the most.

The same is true in the spiritual realm. Those who desire spiritual health should never fear the word of God / or the God of the Word / who applies it to our lives. In 4:13, the author seems to sum up the teaching of Psalm 139, a critical passage that teaches God’s omnipresence (He is everywhere present) and omniscience (He is all-knowing): Psalm 139:1-6

O Lord, you have examined my heart

    and know everything about me.

2 You know when I sit down or stand up.

    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

3 You see me when I travel

    and when I rest at home.

    You know everything I do.

4 You know what I am going to say

    even before I say it, Lord.

5 You go before me and follow me.

    You place your hand of blessing on my head.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

    too great for me to understand!

 

4:14–16

But who is this Great Physician who holds in His steady hand the powerful Word of God and qualifies by His nature to bring healing to our souls? The answer in Hebrews 4:14–16 shouldn’t surprise us. He has been the theme of the entire letter to the Hebrews from the first chapter. In 4:14, the initial word, “therefore,” indicates what the author has been saying about the word of God <-(4:12) and “of him to whom we must give account.” <-(4:13) points us ultimately to our great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God (4:14).

Jesus Christ, the Word of God incarnate, is the One who bears the blade of the inspired word of God—not as a sword to punish, but as a scalpel to heal. By delving deeply into our lives to uncover the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (4:13), Jesus Christ can strengthen our confession of faith and lead us into the spiritual rest God has made available to His people (4:11).

The two natures of Christ—His full deity and full humanity—are manifested for us in the comparison of 4:14–16. In 4:14, we are reminded that He is the “Son of God” who has “who has ascended into heaven.” This image emphasizes His divine, heavenly nature. Then, in 4:15–16, the fullness of His humanity is displayed. Jesus Christ has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (4:15). The same circumstances, situations, and allurements that bombard us daily also assaulted Him. The Son of Man didn’t float through life in a catatonic state as a zombie with a blindfold and earplugs. He saw, heard, and felt all these trials and temptations. But unlike us, He didn’t sin—not in thought, word, or deed.

Because of His genuine experiences as a real human, Jesus can empathize with our weaknesses (4:15). Christ has been tested as we are tested. / He has been weak as we are weak. / He has suffered as we suffer.  /And He has come through it victoriously. / As such, He is able to offer us grace—if we draw near to Him (4:16). As the perfect man who has identified with humans fully, He is a sympathetic and empathetic High Priest for us. As the perfect imager of God who knows our weaknesses completely, He is an able Healer. Because of Christ, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. (or as the NLT says, let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God) As the incarnate God-man, Jesus is willing and able so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (4:16).

APPLICATION: HEBREWS 4:12–16

Submitting to the Surgeon, Our High Priest (Bulletin Insert)

Some people have imagined that when Jesus finished His work on the cross and rose from the dead, He ascended into heaven to sit down, put up His feet, and retire. Nothing could be further from the truth. (7:25). He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. He’s our High Priest. He stands ready to hear our pleas and petitions. He’s able to empathize with our pains and problems. So how does He provide us with the healing we so desperately need? In 4:12–16, the author makes it clear.

First, we must submit to His healing touch. This means we don’t fight the Physician. We stop trying to self-diagnose our woes and self-treat our worries. Instead, we surrender our sins to Him. The best action I can think of to put this kind of obedient submission into practice is prayer. We must humbly submit to Him and confess our unwillingness and unworthiness. Then we ask Him to do His work, trusting Him as much as we would trust a skilled dentist or experienced surgeon. Yes, the heavenly Physician may cut where it hurts—especially as He treats the spiritual condition of a hard heart. But remember, He’s not harming you; He’s healing you.

ness and heavy burdens (Matt.: 11:28

So, as we apply this passage to our lives by obediently submitting and actively drawing near, we allow the heavenly Surgeon to do the work only He can do through His living, powerful word.

Next Sunday, we will continue our series on our adventure through the book of Hebrews. This is the last message in the first section of Hebrews: "Christ is Superior in His Person.” Next week, we will begin the second section, “Christ is Superior as Our High Priest.” the message title is “God’s Son – Our Priest,” So please read Hebrews 5:1-10 for next week’s message.