Heralds Digest

"For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”" (Hebrews 2:11-12 NKJV) The seeking of self glory naturally encourages the calling of names that associate self with higher authority. The compromise in such common practice is the risk of losing association with lower class personalities. However, in his exemplary lifestyle of sacrifice and humility, Jesus preferred his self-demotion from God level to brethren level , in order to associate with the promotion of ' no-name ' class of people to the class of brethren. Obviously, a sincere devotion to status offering is only comfortable with the promotion of the status of others above self.

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone." (Hebrews 2:9 NKJV) From being equal to God to being a little lower than the angels, the unequal freewill offering was laid upon the altar by the Lord Jesus Christ. Even by human standard, the offering of the best of the world's legends (Nelson Mandela), who preferred a lower status than the President when he had the opportunity to run for second term in office, was unanimously celebrated. It underscores the fact that there is greater glory and honour in status offering for the good of humanity, compared to the reward of seeking self glory. Regarding the case of death as wages for sin, only he who is able to swallow death in victory is qualified to make a status offering for atonement. Fortunately, Christ offered to taste death, so that anyone who believes in Him can escape the taste of dea...

"Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away." (Hebrews 2:1 NKJV) The danger of ignorance is often less severe, compared to the consequence of neglecting guidance through divine revelation. The spirit of deception readily camouflages as the spirit of discernment, whenever the sense of responsibility in the wholesome truth is compromised. However, it is imperative to underscore that believer's spiritual armour is built on his eagerness to obey; and obviously above the earnestness to listen. Otherwise, the pride from many activities in the spirit can destroy the profit of an anchor in the Saviour.

"[Jesus Christ]...who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:3 NKJV) Effective communication is expected to produce change in position. Despite the use of divers means of communication between God and man, the provision for change from the experience of the fall for man has been the content of God's redemption plan. However, the search for the best way of communications (among prophets, angels, vision, etc) between heaven and earth has been a challenge. While other means of communication may offer a rich content that point to the way of righteousness and freedom from sin, only the communication of Jesus Christ represents the walkway to genuine transformation. Whether through the holy scripture or anointed ministers, every communication with the supreme revelation of Jesus Christ brings g...

"Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say." (Philemon 1:21 NKJV) Leaders have the floor to speak most of the times; but whether followers listen most of these times depend on the leader's ability to manage his privileges. The beauty of leadership is obviously not in the exercise of the authority to speak. Rather, leadership provides the opportunity to build trust and confidence which guarantees attention. Paul's confidence in the obedience of Philemon is built on the acknowledgment of the leader's sacrifices, rather than the leader's privileges. Privileges come and are gone, but sacrifices remain the best and lasting way of utilizing the leader's advantage.

"I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me." (Philemon 1:10-11 NKJV) There are always great expectations from every possible convocation of convenient appointments. Whereas profits are almost certain under such circumstances, the results are not necessarily the best possible, given the prior expectations. The appointment of a runaway Onesimus with the incarcerated Paul was probably one with the highest experience of inconvenience in their respective lifetime. Yet, it ended up the most profitable appointment. Often time, our disappointments in life can be a divinely-staged appointment for an enduring profit.

"But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless". (Titus 3:9 NKJV) Every attempt from human efforts in life does not always lead to the desired profit; but none of human engagements is unprofitable, as long as clear goal is focused. Unfortunately, many of human engagements with divine assignment can be unproductive and irrelevant. Striving about an established existence, consistency, and sufficiency of God will lead anyone to nowhere. Titus needed to be wary of the strategy of the enemy to distract away from useful engagements, which are capable of rescuing souls from the pit of sin. Spiritual engagement on a physical might produces a double jeopardy for both the body and the soul.