Hebrews 2:9

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18 May, 2022

18

MAY

HEBREWS 2:9

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.

TO PONDER

The 'corpse flower' is one of the largest flowers in the world and is native to tropical rainforests of Indonesia. It gets its name from the smell of rotting flesh which it emits to attract flies and bugs which help to pollinate the plant. Perhaps ironically, it is the stench of death which assures its survival.

Funny how Jesus' death also assures our survival. Yet the death of Jesus is sometimes the very thing that drives some people away. Many people struggle to come at the idea of a God who would kill his own son, or a God who is able to be killed. Yet this is the reality we are faced with; a God who brings life out of death. He does it with flowers and he did it himself for us.

Strangely, the corpse flower is celebrated for its impressive size and unique stink. Yet we still tend to baulk at the idea of suffering and death in our own lives. Perhaps there is room to re-assess our reaction to suffering and death in light of Jesus own death and resurrection through which he was crowned with glory and honour and through which we now share in that glory and honour?

PRAYER

Lord God, there are so many examples in nature and your created world of life coming out of apparent death and destruction. Help me to see the places where you are bringing new life out of struggle and pain, and help me to celebrate the joy of your salvation in every circumstance - even the ones that really stink. Amen


Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle