“Wonderful, Counselor” is the first of 4 relational names given to the messiah we know as Jesus, Immanuel, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The entire Chapter focuses the heart of the believer toward “tests” of faith. The first half assesses through the test of morality. If you keep sinning, you’re not displaying that Christ’s atonement has done its work. Simple conclusion, true faith produces morality. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.

Jesus is the TRUE & BETTER older brother. He came to earth and truly obeyed his father and never disobeyed his orders. He truly has the right to all the father owns. But instead, he came out and searched for us, and found us in the pigsty, and carried us home on his shoulders singing with joy. And he gave us his robe, his ring, his place, his wealth — all at his own expense. Understanding this truth is essential and will transform you. We'll never stop being elder brothers until we rejoice in the work of our true elder brother.

Jesus points to possessions as a hindrance to entering the Kingdom of Heaven. We live in a decadent society and most of the stuff we have is trash. Over 300 per person per year! We are challenged by Jesus to “give everything to the poor” and “be like a child” and to trust God for things that we don’t understand.

James does not suggest that faith plus works equals justification. He agrees with Paul that faith alone justifies. But he knows there is a so-called “faith” that is dangerous because it deludes but does not justify. He contrasts that with the faith that does justify— a living faith that by its very nature reflects the One on whom our faith rests, delighting to love others in concrete ways.

The Word of God (alias: Jesus) is repeatedly pointed to as essential for living a holy life.

God uses sickness in our lives sometimes to discipline us, call us to deeper trust in him etc. Sickness and pain manifests itself in our physical bodies because of sin. Hidden sin can make us sick. Physical sickness can manifest as a result of hidden guilt and shame. Mental anguish can come from an unforgiving offense against us. Daily drilling on some twisted hope that there will be payment made for the pain against me can turn a heart very dark. So dark that a person can become deeply depressed. Depression can lead to physical ailment too. Sometimes, our sickness is the direct result of our own folly. I am fat because I over eat. I am alcoholic because I over drink. I am diseased because I have fulfilled my sexual desires outside of God‘s plan.If we look at our spiritual lives the way we look at our physical lives, we will want our sin to end in the same (quick!) way we want our physical sickness to end.

We live in a broken world. (War, disease, famine, division, strife. . .)

If Jesus is who he says he is, he can change it all.

If Jesus can change it all, and he gives us his authority, what does that mean for us?

The Bible makes it clear that God seeks after you and I. His never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love for us walks us down, finds us. When it does, God gives us Himself. Not a list of rules and rituals. Not a lifetime of provision and a ticket to heaven. He gives us Himself. Certainly with that, we get the privileges of being His children in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth that “is already but not yet”. In this world, there will be suffering. The New Testament treats suffering as a privilege God gives us. Suffering and misery are not synonymous. If it is true that suffering is GIVEN as a PRIVILEGE by God, and we TRUST the RESURRECTION …. We can and must suffer differently than the world!

The writer of Hebrews connects the role of Melchizedek directly to Jesus. Melchizedek was the king of Salem, a word that means “Peace”. It is interesting that the region where Jerusalem is now located is called Salem. Melchizedek, whose name means “king of justice quote, also serves as a priest who lead his people to the Lord. When he encounters Abraham, Melchizedek serves him bread and wine, mediates a blessing, and receives an offering.