“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.” – Hebrews 1:1-2
How does your past affect you, today?
As much as we may try to live in the present, the past and our hopes for the future greatly affect us. Sometimes, the past strengthens us and other times it’s can be like a weight we just can’t throw off.
God Spoke Through The Prophets
For the Jews around Jesus’ day, God had always dealt with them through prophets, and they hadn’t even had a prophet for 400 years. It made it difficult to believe that Jesus was the Son of God, not just another prophet. We see this when Jesus asked His disciples who people said He was.
“Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” – Matthew 16:14
It took the revelation of God for Peter to say,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:16
God Speaks To Us By His Son, Jesus
Today, we can struggle with our past, too. It may be things we were taught in the past, regrets we have, sins that weigh us down, or failures. We may have a difficult time moving past our past. Yet, our past does not have the defining word about our present. Jesus does.
Jesus tells us that our sins are removed from us as far as the east is from the west. He tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made. He teaches us the truth and corrects our false beliefs. He tells us we are more than conquerors, death has no hold on us, and we are united with Him.
Through Jesus, the universe and all that is in it was made and He is the heir of all things; He is the beginning and the end. Just as all that was promised about Jesus through the prophets of old came true, so all His promises will come true.
Rebuke The Words Of The Past
When your mind brings up the errors and failures of the past, rebuke the thought and remind yourself of what Jesus has done. When the devil brings up the past and accuses you, rebuke him and tell Him Jesus says you are forgiven and washed clean.
Let the words of Christ cover over your past, define your present, and show you your future.
Dear Jesus,
You are greater than my past. Remove my sins. Correct my false understandings. Free me from my chains and guide me in true faith down the path You have marked for me.
Amen.a
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
Copyright 2022, Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel. All Rights Reserved.