Hebrews 10:19-25
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 (NIV)
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (verse 23) offers me comfort when I’m feeling sad or depressed about something personal or when I hear of some new horror in the news. Jesus IS faithful and from pain or even destruction, Jesus will bring order as we hold steadfast to hope.
But it’s not enough to “just” have hope, we must consider “how we spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (verse 24). One certain thing about uncertain times, is the very real need for love and good deeds, for people to take care of other people, for humans to show their humanity. Giving your time, talent and treasure - whatever that looks like for you - is the love and good deeds our world needs more of. It doesn’t have to be some grand gesture, sometimes it is the small day-to-day interactions; the smallest act - a smile, a kind word - that encourages or even transforms someone.
Let us not give up - not just in general but specifically about meeting together, encouraging one another, and drawing nearer to God. The more we meet together, the easier it is to realize we are not alone. The more we encourage each other, the more we realize we do make a difference. Doing both draws us nearer to God and when we do that “with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings” (verse 24), the more we’ll see God in ourselves and each other. The more we see God in everyday people, the more we can love them, the more we love them, the more we become like Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
- What does holding unswervingly to hope in Jesus mean to me?
- How do I spur others toward love and good deeds? How can I encourage others?
- Identify how you saw God in someone today.
Prayer:
God, show me Jesus in the people around me today. Help me love like Jesus with full assurance of Your peace and love for me.
Amen
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