But We See Jesus
Hebrews 2:8-9
8 YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET."
For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him.
But now we do not yet see all things put under him.
9 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.
How do we answer the need that we see? What is our reply to the demands of life, the misery of man, and the sorrow we encounter in this world? We know that we serve a risen Saviour who has conquered death and the grave. However, heartache and unmet need looms before us, seeking answers and demanding action.
The writer of Hebrews in addressing the issue of suffering and need simply states “we do not yet see all things put under him." The world that we live in is still subject to the effects of man's failure and the dominion of sin. This challenges our desire for justice and quest for answers. We want solutions, or at least the knowledge that everything that is wrong will be put right within our lifetime. We are not given that assurance however, just the stark reality that though all things are in subjection under Him, we do not yet see all things put under Him. Pain and injustice remain and suffering still characterises this sin-stained world.
Verse nine however commences with the statement, “But we see Jesus". We may not see the answers we want, or the solutions we long for, but in the midst of it all, we see Jesus. This Jesus who was made as one of us, did not recoil from our sin or abandon us to our plight. He came and partnered with us in our pain. He shared our humanity and experienced our sorrow. In a display of total commitment and love, He then took our place and suffered the consequence of our rebellion and sin.
Like the disciples, we want a Jesus who will remove oppression, annihilate need, and bring justice. We want a way out rather than a way through. The day will come when He returns to rule. He will judge the nations and right every wrong. For now however, we live with the tension between what He accomplished on the cross and what is enforced in the earth. This is the walk of faith. This is the challenge of believing in a finished work that is not fully revealed.
For all of us, the question remains, “What will we see?” Will we see Jesus or the problem we currently face? Will we look at the impossibility, or the One who has conquered all? In the midst of our situation, and despite the questions, confusion and pain, will we see Jesus? Jesus stated that in the world we will have tribulation (John 16:33). There was no promise of an easy road or a simple life. His answer to this confronting reality was to say, “But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 - emphasis added). Jesus did not expect us to have the answers or the where-with-all to face the challenges that lie before us. He did however promise us a victory that is secure. It is secure because it is not anchored in us or dependent on our circumstance. It is anchored and secure because it is in Him. The world can throw its worst at us, the devil can oppose and seek to destroy, but we will stand in victory because we are in Him. Regardless of whether that victory is revealed in this life or the next, it is guaranteed. It is secure in Him, for He has overcome the world. Now our portion is to be of good cheer and to see Him regardless of whatever else claims our attention or demands our focus.
Philippians 1:28 in the New Living Translation states:
Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.
Don’t be intimidated or terrified of the enemy. Refuse to let him take your focus and consume your attention. Let your quiet assurance and confident trust declare that you are going to be saved, even by God Himself. The story of your life is not yet complete. The enemy has not yet been silenced or his activities stopped, but your victory is sure.
In the midst of it all we see Jesus. When need knocks, confusion surrounds and heartache seeks to overwhelm, we see the One who has overcome. Before we look around, we will look up, for we know where our help comes from.
Prayer Prompts:
Jesus, You said I could be of good cheer because You have overcome the world. What does that look like in my situation?
Lord I struggle with the need I see and the demand to have answers. How do I encourage those who have lost sight of You?
Right now I am struggling to see You in the midst of where I am. Show me where You are in this, and how to keep my eyes and heart focused on You.
