To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 9, Day 2 - God Disciplines Us to Lead Us to a Better Way
To the Ends of the Earth: Action – Week 8, Day 4 – The Lord of the Universe Loved Us Enough to Come Down to Meet Us
Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
Hebrews 2:14–18
Many Christians have memorized John 3:16 (“For God so loved the world … ”). We see the verse displayed in sports stadiums and on T-shirts. We proclaim it proudly as the foundation of our faith. But do we really understand the significance of that event? God, in his perfect, precious love, sent his Son to be born as a human being, to walk the dusty roads of this world, to face the trials and tribulations of earthly living, and ultimately to take all of our sins to the cruel cross so we could be saved.
Let that sink in for a moment: the Lord of the universe, whose hand set the stars in place, came to be our brother to set us free from sin and draw us back to himself.
Before Christ came, God often manifested his powerful presence to his people in the form of a fiery cloud, in peals of thunder, in earthquakes, and in the awesome whisper of his majestic voice. But now in Jesus we have a brother. We can experience the very presence of Christ in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, and in the fellowship of the Church that has been guided by the Holy Spirit for 2,000 years.
Questions for Reflection
Do you recognize Jesus as your brother? How has this awesome truth shaped your life as a Catholic man?
How does Christ’s brotherhood with you impact your fellowship with other men? How can you strive to be Christ to those who need him most?
Praying with Scripture
For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (Jn 3:16)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
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About the Author
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
