Word for Today: Saturday, January 19, 2013

Hebrews 10:32-39 Do not throw away your confidence

Memory Verse 10:35(KJV)

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward”.

Yesterday we saw the dangers and consequences of drifting away, today the author encourages us to continue in faith and well-doing. A call to remembrance of the former days.

Let us look at verses 32-34, the author reminded the Hebrews Christians about their good works. See also Hebrews 6:10. These Hebrew Christians were once burning for Christ. Initially, when we first gave our lives to Christ, there was this excitement and we were ready to do anything for God but as time passed, the excitement begun to diminish due to worldly pressures/pleasures until we find ourselves no longer interested in the things of God. That was the same problem the Hebrew Christians were facing.

Once upon a time, they were actually fervent, serving God whole-heartedly and also helping other people. The author reminded them of those good works. According to verses 32-34 the good works are:

·They stood their grounds in sufferings.

·They were exposed to public humiliation, insult and persecution for the sake of the gospel.

·They sympathised with those who were persecuted and shared their sufferings.

·They sympathised with those in prison.

·They joyfully allowed their properties to be impounded for the sake of their faith.

Verses 35-36 gives us an assurance. There is always a reward for doing well and working for God. It will be very foolish of us after we have done all these good works to return back to our sinful ways. It is very important to preserve to the end. When we endure, we will receive what he has promised. Jesus is our perfect example of perseverance (Hebrews 12:1-2).

I remember one time in high school, the school bus broke down and the driver was trying to figure out what was wrong. Some students got impatient and they were scared of going late because there was a punishment for lateness. So, they started walking to school but a few of us decided to wait as the driver tried to figure out a solution to the bus. Not long after the others left, the bus started and we got to school earlier than them. They got late and were punished. There is a great reward in perseverance. It may not be easy but it is worth it.

Waiting for the fulfilment of God’s promises requires time and patient. We are running the Christian race, we need to focus on Jesus and run this race with perseverance. I pray that God will give us the grace to remain firm in him and to run this race to the end. Amen