Superior Savior

In the past God spoke to our ancestors 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 also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Hebrews 1:1-4 NIV

I have this fly fishing vest the I bought several years ago from Orvis. I went fishing with a few guys this one time and one of the fellas told me he bought his vest some place for about $15.00. Of course mine cost a bit more than twice as his. But, his was less than a year old and already tearing while mine was a few years used and still looked pretty new. So, while he will buy a new cheaper vest every few years and in end spend more, I am getting the most out of my Orvis vest. They say, "You don't buy an Orvis for yourself, you buy it for your son." It's true, my son is going to get my Orvis vest and fly fishing rig. 

In a much more dramatic fashion Christ is superior as Savior in comparison to any other supposed savior. He is more than just Savior, he is heir of all things, the Maker of the universe, the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being. He sustains all things, provided purification for our sins and sits at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. He is superior to anything and everything. 

Two things hit me. One is that he is the Superior Savior. There is no other "savior" that will do. The other truth is that he sustains us. Only faith in Christ has real value. Every thing else may look good at first and the cost may seem less, but in the end, they won't be enough. Even more so than my Orvis vest in comparison to a cheap one, faith in Christ is superior and lasting and the only one you will ever need. 

Do You Need a Slap in the Face?

Why are you downcast , O my soul?
   Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
   for I will yet praise him,
   my Savior and my God.
Psalm 43:5

One of my best friends used to think that everyone else in church was always living in perfect peace and happiness. From his perspective when people said they were OK he thought they meant they weren't having any trials and God was speaking to them every moment of every day. It took him awhile to learn that everyone else at church had their struggles too. 

That is why I love David. David sought God from the middle of his struggles. I mean here he is, feeling attacked and it sounds like depressed. He asks God to vindicate and rescue him. 

He looks to the truth about God then asks why it does not match up with what is happening in his life. He knows God is his stronghold but he feels rejected by God. Then he asks God to get him out. He asks God to take him to the place where God dwells. 

This reminds me of once when my wife was in the hospital. I was very concerned because I didn't know what God was doing. My pastor came by and sort of slapped me in the face and told me I needed to get it together and that my wife needed to know that I knew God was in control and God would take care of her. I didn't need to know that he had been through something like I was going through. I needed to put my hope in God, knowing that I would yet praise him, my Savior and my God. That is sort of what I see David doing to himself. He is praying and encouraging himself to believe in God because God is his Savior and he will yet praise him.

God is your stronghold. God is your hope. God is your Savior. He will send forth his light and his truth and they will guide you to his holy mountain. You will praise him!