The third quote the writer uses to show us how Jesus identifies with us comes from Isaiah 8:18.

“BEHOLD, I AND THE CHILDREN WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN ME.” – Hebrews 2:13

Here’s the original:

Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are for signs and wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. – Isaiah 8:18

Oh, how I love this verse. It’s so packed! Let’s just break it down and feast a while this morning.

Behold…

He begins with LOOK! What He’s about to tell us is evident. He’s not revealing hidden truth here, but something that can be seen and understood with our senses.

…I…

This I is the I AM. We can be sure of this because of this reference in Hebrews. Isaiah once again is bringing Jesus to our attention.

…and the children…

We know this is us. In Isaiah, 2 verses earlier the Lord specifically calls us “my disciples.”

…whom the Lord has given me…

These children are not begotten by Jesus, but given to Jesus, committed to His trust. The Father entrusted Jesus with His (the Father’s) flock to shepherd them. This flock is the Church for whom the shepherd laid down His life. The Father gave us to Jesus, and He paid the full purchase price for our freedom.

…are for signs and wonders…

Somehow this flock thinks it’s mission in life involves sitting in pews and being entertained.

Jesus trained us.
God empowered us.
The Holy Spirit filled us.

And yet we sit.

That’s not our call. God calls us to signs and wonders.

…from the LORD of hosts…

Not some sappy signs, like a smile or friendly nod on the sidewalk. Signs from the Lord of hosts look like something, Jesus sized signs and wonder–NO–bigger than that. Signs so big you can’t even imagine it now.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. – John 14:12

It makes me so sad when I hear preachers minimize this promise.

You know…

Radio is the greater work.
Television is the greater work.
Our money will buy more influence than Jesus carried.

NO!

It’s not even possible for Jesus to lie. When He starts a verse with Truly, Truly, how dare we diminish or explain away what He said.

It’s not unclear.
It’s doesn’t use hard to understand words.

“the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do”

But it will never happen as long as we won’t,

1 – believe it
2 – free our selves from distractions
3 – press in for it.

Why did the Father give Jesus children?

We are for signs and wonders.

We MUST begin to walk in this light. We can’t ignore our calling any longer. God never intended the Church of Jesus Christ to sit idly by and watch the world–in judgment and condemnation–but to turn it upside-down.

But Ben…how do I start?

Begin to call those things that are not as though there were.
You can simply take this verse and begin to declare it over yourself.
I am for signs and wonders!
I am for signs and wonders!
I am made for greater works the Jesus!
When I walk into the room, the Spirit of the LORD of Hosts comes in.
When I step into my workplace, the Prince of Peace enters with me.
When I speak healing and health over folks at Kohl’s, Jehovah Rapha confirms my words (His words) with signs following.

Get His word in your mouth, and let Him use you today.

Ok – I’m excited. I wonder what today holds?

As you go…

Be light…

Ben

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