You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness before your companions. – Hebrews 1:9
Life has been difficult the last few months. The combination of a global pandemic, extreme racial tension, an upcoming election, and life’s day-to-day stressors is enough to shake even the most seasoned Christians’ faith. Why is God allowing all of this to happen? Is He still in control?
The Jews in Palestine who converted to Christianity were in the same boat. The book of Acts saw thousands of Jews come to believe in Jesus. However, soon after this, they started facing persecution and difficulties. They became hardened, dull of hearing, and slothful in their faith. They were discouraged and feeling weak. The writer of the book of Hebrews stepped in to encourage them and remind them of the object of their faith.
The “You” being referred to in Hebrews 1:9 is actually Jesus. He was the perfect human, the perfect sacrifice, the perfect solution to the problem of sin. And He is now anointed above everyone else, seated at the right hand of God himself. He is perfect in righteousness and in complete control.
This is the God that Christians choose to follow. He is King over the whole Earth. And it is worth keeping your faith in Him. Trust in His leading, and trust that there is more going on than what is seen on the surface. Pray for the United States’ leaders—that they may find encouragement and strength to push on, in the midst of challenging times. Pray for God to give them His wisdom to know how to move forward.
Today’s Verse: Hebrews 1:9
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 45:2-9
You are the most handsome of the sons of men;
grace is poured upon your lips;
therefore God has blessed you forever.
3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,
in your splendor and majesty!
4 In your majesty ride out victoriously
for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
5 Your arrows are sharp
in the heart of the king’s enemies;
the peoples fall under you.
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.
From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;
at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
