Center for Creative Ministry A research organization and research center for Seventh-day Adventist pastors and their congregations
The Letter to the Hebrews and to Us
Squid Game has taken the online streaming world by storm, resulting in a myriad of memes, gifs, Halloween costumes, and even podcasts.
The basic premise of the show? Kill or be killed. And the drama does not leave much to the imagination as characters are picked off one by one.
Although entertaining, the popularity of this South Korean horror show is leaving many concerned for the young adults obsessed with all things Squid Game. How many times can someone witness such cruel and grotesque acts and not be influenced by them?
Repetition is the path to learning effectively. This is why good public speakers will repeat key words and phrases, why students review material for tests, and why the phrase “practice makes perfect” exists.
God knows more than anyone how we learn since God is, after all, our Creator. That’s a major reason why themes are repeated throughout the Scriptures. For example, the Spirit influenced the author of Hebrews to revisit the Old Testament. While reexamining the story of Moses after just finishing combing through the Pentateuch may seem a little redundant, it’s actually key to understanding who Jesus really is.
Throughout the book of Hebrews the author draws comparison between Christ and all elements of the Israelites’ system of worship that held power, such as the covenant made at Mount Sinai, the priests, and sacrifice and atonement rituals. By repeating what the Hebrews know about their history, and showing how it is recurring through the even more glorious and powerful Christ, the Hebrews are able to be more receptive to the message.
The book of Hebrews, like that in Squid Game, also comes with a challenge. Will we continue to see it as merely as social commentary, or will we develop the lessons into a worldview and lifestyle?
For Reflection
Sharing: The author of Hebrews has been up for debate. In this case, does the person behind the pen really matter?
- Yes, because if it’s not Paul or someone close with the apostles, it’s likely a fraudster.
- No, because the message is relevant and true to the rest of the Scriptures.
- Yes, but only in that Scripture writers are inspired by the Spirit.
- Yes, in that the author had to have knowledge of the audience to know how to reach them.
- I don’t really know.
- Other:
Applying: As we examine Hebrews this quarter, be sure to revisit the Old Testament quotations referenced, asking God to reveal extra connections you might not otherwise know are there.
