Guilty As Charged

It was the Hebrews who rebelled against God, just days after being delievered from Egypt.

Verses 16-18 remind us of this fact.

How quickly do we forget our blessings?

Don’t Ignore

In verse 15, we’re told not to ignore God’s voice.

Stay patient. Watch closely. You will be cared for.

Hold On

In verses 12-14, we’re encouraged to “hold on” to our faith through daily encouragement.

Rebellion

In verses 7-11, we’re reminded of the Israelites’ disobedience in the desert after their deliverance out of Egypt.

We’re warned not to make the same mistake.

Chosen People

In verses 1-6, we read that we are part of God’s chosen people. Moses told us in part about this, but today we have a more complete picture.

Jesus is greater than Moses, because the builder is greater than the house. In contemporary imagery, the programmer is greater than the computer and the engineer is greater than the automobile.

What can we create for good today?

Outline of Hebrews 3

1. Jesus greater than Moses
2. Listen to God’s voice

Jesus’ Humanity

is what makes him able to help us in our temptations and suffering (vv. 10-18).

Lower Than the Angels

In verses 5-9, we read that both Jesus and people are temporarily lower than angels.

However, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, people have something better to anticipate.

Special Delivery

In verses 1-4, we are reminded that the gospel message has been delivered by angels, by miracles, and by the Spirit.

Turning the Other Cheek: Bullying and Cell Phones

I was bullied pretty intensely in elementary school, so hearing about the video of the bus monitor struck a nerve.

Then I remembered a comment by Brett Veinotte of the School Sucks Podcast. He suggests using cell phone cameras to capture bad behavior.

If bullies (and their families) live in constant fear that their evil behaviors will be exposed for all the world to see, perhaps they’ll reconsider and behave more appropriately.

Step 1: The next time you see bullying, tell the bully and the crowd witnessing the event that you’re taking out your phone. Ask the bullies to stop.

Step 2: If they refuse to stop, record the bullying on your phone. Tell the bullies exactly what you’re doing and why you’re recording, while you’re recording, so you don’t get in trouble, too. Ask the crowd to keep you safe, so the bully doesn’t attack you, too.

Step 3: Tell a trusted adult about your video AFTER posting it to YouTube, so it can’t be deleted or covered up.

Maybe with this three-step plan, we can reduce the number and intensity of bullying events.

Please remember to use your phone and the power of crowds to keep people safe. Together, we can make a positive difference!