August 4, 2021 — A Study on the Book of Hebrews

“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 10:32-39

“The writer encourages his readers not to forsake Christ, by reminding them of what they have suffered for his sake. They have persevered through insults, violence, imprisonments and robberies, because of their confidence of a lasting reward. Endurance is essential, since there must always be some waiting time before a promise can be fulfilled. For Christians the promised reward will be at Christ’s return, when he judges between those who persevere in faith and those who turn back.” (Bridgeway Bible Commentary)

In a while, Christ will come. We do not know when, but Christ will come again. Until then, we continue in the journey – living the Christ-like life – sustained by faith. This is not an easy life, if we are truly living the life of a disciple. There are so many temptations – so many voices that want us to follow a different path – an easier path than the path of following Jesus. We will be made fun of by some, and will be considered an oddity by others. We may not be thrown to the lions, literally, but we know what it is like to hear the biting comments of non-believers. As such, we continue knowing that when Christ comes, then comes our victory. It is the love, mercy and Grace of Christ that keeps us on the path – to the end.

Pastor Dave