SUNDAY, JULY 4

Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-18

For those of us who are in the middle of recovering our identity as Kings, perhaps the foundation of that whole process comes from accepting the full measure of what Hebrews 2:14-18 promises.  It says, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”  To stand in Kingly authority, we must be completely free from the fear of death.  That freedom has been bought and paid for by Jesus.  Part of that freedom comes from the understanding that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.  There is a door in the realm of the Spirit that every one of us can walk through.  It is a door of which John 10 speaks.  Salvation is imparted when we say ‘Yes’ to Jesus, but yielding our life for God’s purpose is an entirely separate transaction where martyrdom is a possibility.  When we know and willingly choose to lay our life down for the Lord: any day, any place, any time, then we have stepped through a very different spiritual door!  This is the proper covenantal response to what Jesus has done for us.  Biblical covenant has biblical blessing that comes from making these ultimate commitments.  Anything less is not New Testament Christianity.  Being released from fear of death enables us to live for Christ.  Boldness is the result of overcoming fear and belongs to every believer!