Vital signs
A number of years ago my guns were stolen from my parents house.
I remember feeling so angry at the injustice.
So what in the world would motivate someone to respond to the theft of their property with joy (Hebrews 10:34)?
This attitude has to be the most counter-cultural response to injustice. Outside of the Christian worldview, this seems crazy. However, since we have better and more lasting possessions (1 Peter 1:3–4) than what we own, we are able to sit loose with our material earthly possessions.
The Hebrew Christians' early faith was LIT.
Back in the early days when they first had their eyes opened, they endured suffering, persecution, public humiliation of their faith, and even confiscation of their property. They weren’t embarrassed of their brothers and sisters in prison.
But as time went on, the pressure of their context began to erode their enthusiasm. The author reminds them of the great reward that lies ahead (10:35) and encourages them to endure. For what we see and experience now is temporary, and what is unseen and ahead is eternal.
Perhaps you find the enthusiasm of your faith waning.
Maybe the pressure of your workplace, family, or social group is wearing you down.
Is the cost of your faith beginning to add up?
Don’t give in or shrink back! For we have an inheritance that lies ahead. It’s real, eternal, and infinitely better.
“Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us. For we know the one who said, “I will take revenge. I will pay them back.” He also said, “The Lord will judge his own people.” It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”
Hebrews 10:26-36 NLT
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