“For it became Him, for Whom are all things and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sons into glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”
Hebrews 2:10
It doesn’t happen overnight, but we need not fear, fret or fume when our Captain is at the helm.
“Perfect through suffering.”
At first glance this phrase seems a little odd—for we tend to look at the word “perfect” as sinless perfection or having no shortcomings. However, once we know it comes from the Greek word “teleioo,” which comes from the deeper root word “telos,” and basically means “to complete, accomplish, consummate, fulfill, of full age, etc.,” it takes on a whole new meaning and opens a whole new world of understanding to us.
It’s clear the “Him” being talked about here is God the Father. And, it’s good that we’re reminded that “all things are FOR Him and BY Him.” Thus, from a strict point of view the Old Testament, Calvinistic view of things is clear here. Yet, we must temper that by the Arminian view which stresses man’s “free will;” otherwise, we’re nothing but a robot or puppet on a string, who’s programmed to mindlessly do God’s will at His whim and beckon.
The key to balancing these two views is the word “make,” which comes from the Greek word “ago” and basically means “to bring, lead, pass the time, go through, etc.” Thus, it’s the picture of a process—and, in the context, shows that Jesus was “being brought to maturity (mentally and emotionally) through sufferings.” And, the same writer of Hebrews later added “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered. And, being made perfect, He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him” (Heb. 5:8-9).
Thus, the picture is clear:
Jesus, the “Captain (Grk. ‘archegos’—‘chief leader, author, prince, maker, etc.,’) of our salvation,” also had to learn the correct mental, emotional and spiritual response during suffering. He didn’t get an “automatic pass to Go,” if you will, just because He was the Son of God; instead, “He was “in all points tempted (Grk. ‘peirazo’—‘to test, scrutinize, discipline, examine, tried, etc.’) in all points like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15).
That’s why we can “come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace in help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16)! Our “older Brother. . .Captain of our salvation . . .Author and Finisher/Perfecter of our faith, etc.,” has “been there, done that” and knows what we’re going through! Truly, this “Man of Sorrows is well-acquainted with our grief” (Is. 53:3) and “His Grace is sufficient for us” (II Cor. 12:9-10). Hallelujah!!
Oh, dear Pilgrim, it’s through our “fiery furnace” experiences that the dross of sin is removed from our faith (I Pet. 1:6-7). It’s on the “anvil of adversity” that the Potter molds and makes us, transforming us into the likeness of His dear Son (Jer. 18:1-6). Therefore, rest in Him today (Mt. 11:28-30)—yea “abide in Him” (Jn. 15:1-7)—knowing He knows very well what you’re going through and will give you what you need just when you need it (Phil. 4:19).
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated January 9, 2011
