October 18, 2020
Pastor John Hering
Hebrews 2:9-18
Hebrews 2:9-18
9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.”
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Welcome Home! For all of you here today, and even watching online because you can’t be physically here in this chapel, I hope this place and worship feels like home for you. Some of you will say, “Yes, it does.” Though others might say, “Home? No, this church has never felt like home to me,” for whatever reason. Maybe some have always felt like a stranger, others like they’re not wanted or appreciated. Whether talking about our physical family or our church family, these same reasons might be expressed. When we gather with our physical family we are part of that family, and when gather for worship we are with our church family. But, even while with our church family the reality is that many feel separated from their Christian family. That’s why wanted to have this special Sunday called, Welcome Home!
