August 3, 2021 — A Study on the Book of Hebrews

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:19-25

“The book of Hebrews was originally written to Jewish Christians who were experiencing persecution. They were under pressure to return to a more popular, easier religion. Namely, Judaism. Much of the letter, to this point, has been explaining reasons to be confident that Jesus Christ, not the old covenant priesthood, is God’s ultimate plan for mankind’s salvation. Part of the encouragement to “hold fast” given here comes from that perspective (Hebrews 3:14). Christ is the fulfillment of God’s will for mankind, so we should resist the pressures of anything which tries to take us away from Him.” (bibleref.com; Hebrews 10:23)

There was a study completed in this country among judges in courtrooms. They were asked how well they could determine a person’s remorse when they stood in front of them during a court proceeding. Most of the justices said they could tell definitively when a defendant was showing remorse. About half of the justices said: “When the defendant looks me in the eye and tells me how sorry they are, I believe they are showing remorse.” The other half of the justices said: “When the defendant cannot look me in the eye, and continues to look to the ground and tell me they are sorry, I believe they are showing remorse.” The truth of the matter is this: one cannot tell by a person’s body language whether they are truly showing remorse. Remorse is something we all (well most) can come to – but it takes time, and years before true remorse can be felt for many people.

How a believer approaches G-d in worship is dependent upon the believer – some come with boldness – others in fear and trepidation. There is no right or wrong – G-d just wants us to come to G-d with boldness of faith, and a contrite heart. It may take years to find this boldness or this contriteness – G-d just seeks a relationship with us that is based on faith, love, trust and humility.

Pastor Dave