January 14

OUR ELDER BROTHER

"Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers" (Hebrews 2:11, NIV).

Driven by pride, some who ascend the ladder to success and fortune are often ashamed of their humble origin. To preserve their acquired status they repudiate their roots. How different it is with the One who voluntarily left the splendor of heaven to become our elder brother.

This portrait of Jesus is a striking example of His supreme commitment to the human race. When we were aliens, separated from Christ, without hope, and without God in the world, the Prince of Glory came to earth in the form of man (see Ephesians 2:12). Not only did He suffer and die for the ungodly but in so doing, He publicly, unashamedly, and permanently identified Himself as one with us. "So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers" (Hebrews 2:11, NIV). He wanted the whole universe to know that He is our elder brother.

As our elder brother, He bears "our human form before the Father's throne, and through eternal ages, [is] one with the race He has redeemed--the Son of man."--Steps to Christ, pp. 13, 14. What a precious privilege to be accepted as brothers and sisters by the King of the universe! Through His vicarious death, Christ became our Saviour and compassionate elder brother for all eternity. By becoming our brother, Christ has drawn us into the filial bond of the family of God. That's why, we can joyfully sing, "I'm so glad, I'm a part of the family of God."

Ellen G. White in poignant language tells of our compassionate elder brother: "The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne. He looks upon every soul who is turning his face toward Him as the Saviour. He knows by experience what are the weaknesses of humanity, what are our wants, and where lies the strength of our temptations; for He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. He desires us to realize that He has returned to heaven as our Elder Brother and the measureless power given Him has been placed at our disposal."--My Life Today, p. 297.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I thank you for Jesus, my beloved elder brother. May I live worthy of this high honor. Amen!