May the mumbling commence!
I don’t know about you, but I do not remember math lessons so fondly. I fully recognize their importance. I know I use simple math every day of my life. The Scripture reading for today from Hebrews got me to thinking about those greater than and less than functions of math.
With numbers, the ideas of “greater than” and “less than” are simple to figure out. With spiritual matters and spiritual leaders, the answers are a little less than simple. They can appear quite complex. Which spiritual matter or leader is greater than or lesser than another?
Discovering the answer to that question can lead to great argument and division. For this reason, the unknown author of Hebrews spends much time at the beginning of the letter defining for us the greater than and less than problem of spiritual leaders. Read from the beginning of Hebrews chapter three:
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. (Verses 1-6)
Before this passage, the author of Hebrews talked about Jesus being greater than the holy angels. Now, the author turns to Moses. Jesus is greater than Moses. Fix your eyes on Jesus – THE Apostle and High Priest.
You and I may read over that statement without pausing. But, for Hebrews, to announce that someone was greater than Moses would have given them pause. Hebrews know Moses as not only a servant of God but also as a friend of God. God spoke face to face with Moses. How could anyone possibly be greater than Moses?
To translate this surprise and pause, we must think of some of the great leaders of Christianity – those that are denominational or those that transcend denomination. Jesus is greater than… the Apostle Peter, any Pope, Martin Luther, Menno Simons, Alexander Mack… the list can go on and on (fill in your own denominational leaders of the past). Jesus is far greater than any of these people – combined!
If this translation of the surprise and pause does not touch you, then think of spiritual leaders that you have known. Jesus is far greater than any current pastor or minister or priest. Jesus is greater than Rick Warren or Billy Graham. Jesus is greater than your pastor(s) at your church.
Do not think that when your favorite current pastor leaves that it is time to find another church with a pastor who can be your next favorite. We come to worship and fellowship together someone far greater than any simple human being that ever walked the face of the earth. (Yes, Jesus is far greater than the Beatles – or any other of your favorite entertainers!)
Fix your thoughts on Jesus. Devote yourself to Jesus like a fan would. And the word “fan” comes from the word fanatic. Be a Jesus fanatic much more than a fanatic of anyone or anything else.
Well… that is our lesson about “greater than” and “less than” in the spiritual sense. Choose your spiritual matters and spiritual leaders carefully. Choose them in the light of Jesus, who is far greater than anything.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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