READ: Ezekiel 27,28; Psalms 136; Hebrews 10
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 10: 35 So
do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will
receive what he has promised.
37 For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not
delay.”
OBSERVATION: The author of
Hebrews repeatedly encourages his readers, Jewish Christians, to hold on to their
faith. These Jewish Christians went through various persecution and were
tempted by the Judaizers to conform with Judaism. They must have been in a
dilemma whether to continue to remain in faith or return to Judaism. Hence, the
author encourages them by affirming the supremacy of Christ according to the
scriptures and reminding them of their endurance of suffering with joy. The
author invariably uses phrases like, "Do not drift away,” “hold on,” “hold
firmly till the end,” “hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Heb.2:1; 3:6,14,
4:14). Holding on to our faith is not a one-time or once-in-a-while experience.
It is part of our daily Christian living. We are to hold on to the message we heard,
the Gospel, our confidence, and hope in Christ till the end. God will give
due rewards to all who reach the end or complete their faith race.
Amidst persecutions and temptations
of faith, the Jewish Christians would have expected a solution for their condition.
But the author reminds them they “need to persevere.” Instead of suggesting an
immediate temporal remedy, the author encourages the believers to continue
their perseverance to focus on God’s will and receive the promised eternal
reward. Heb.10:35-39, the author consistently tells about the future hope,
reward, and Christ's imminent return. In verse 37, the author freely quotes Is.26:21 and Hab.2:3 to remind us about Jesus’
second coming.
There is no doubt about Jesus’ second
coming. But many ask what does it mean “In just a little while.” How long
should we wait? As compared to eternity, our present problems are “light and
momentary troubles” (2 Cor.2:17). If someone thinks that the Lord delays his coming,
we should remind what apostle Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:4-10; God wants everyone
to be saved. We Christians always should be ready for Jesus’ second coming. We
may have waited for the Lord for an extended period. However, when he comes,
our waiting period will not be a matter for us. We can be confident of our
faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus will not delay his second coming. If Jesus comes
today, what will we do? Hudson Taylor
says, “Since he may come any day, it is well to be ready every day.” Let us
examine ourselves: Are we ready for Jesus’ second coming?
APPLICATION: I must hold on to the faith and confidence I
have in Christ. Doing God’s will should
be my topmost priority. For that, I need to be focused on doing God’s will, receiving
his reward, and being ready for his return. I can be confident that God will
not delay without any reason. My eyes should be on eternity and Christ.
PRAYER: Father God, thank
you for your loving care for me. Lord, help me to endure sufferings and patiently
wait for the coming of the Lord. Jesus, help me be ready for your coming any
time or any moment of the day. My God, “See if there is any offensive way in
me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573.
Day – 319
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