Title Hebrews 10:23 - 39
Contents Main text: Hebrews 10:23 - 39
*** Look back and encourage one another (verses 23-25)
God blesses me not just for my personal blessings, but to help others. Christ has done great things for me, so why don't we look after each other in love and the fruits of good deeds? There can be no alienated saints. Christians often meet to help each other grow in the faith. Is there anyone who is forced to attend because of weak faith? Maybe it was because I was only taking care of ‘me’. Now I have to become a person who can help.
*** If we sin (verses 26-29)
The author of Hebrews continues to warn those who have the habit of being lazy in the fellowship of believers. It is a stern warning to those who will turn away from Christ as they killed those who broke the law of Moses. Their sins were not a one-time negligence, but they committed sins over and over again, and they considered unclean the blood shed for them by trampling the Son of God under their feet. It is a complete rejection of Christ, and the atonement of Christ as nothing. They dishonored the Spirit of grace, and this sin of rejecting the grace of God that saved them is the unforgivable sin. It's easy to think that these scary statements don't apply to us. But we should always be vigilant to avoid sin and remember how precious the sacrifice of the Lord is. There are people I know who need to help get them back to the Lord before it's too late.
*** The Lord will judge. (verses 30-31)
The author's stern warning is repeatedly emphasized in this passage. “There is no more atonement for sin,” we only have to wait for judgment, consuming fire, and punishment with fearful hearts. This is because God judges righteously. Thinking of how frightening it is to be separated from the hand of the living God, I must resolve to hold on to Jesus more and more and live a pure life. What plans can I make so that I can spend more time praying and learning the sutras on my own?
*** Think of the days of the past (verses 32-34)
The author of Hebrews exhorts readers to remember past experiences of living by faith to encourage them not to fall back and keep the faith. Although they suffered insults, persecution, and the confiscated of their property, they were still alive, helping each other in their afflictions, and were able to gaze with joy at the reward of the kingdom of heaven. As a Christian, it is easy to look at dark and difficult times: tests, family crises, financial problems, and the pressure of work. Christians never give up at such times and should look back to how God has intervened in my past when I was in trouble. The Lord who helped us before will give us the same help again. In the materialistic world we live in, I must not bind my life to items such as cars, TV sets, and clothes. When I try to help other people with their problems, I am also able to solve my own difficulties by looking at their problems. Who can I help today?
*** Endure to the end (verses 35-39)
One of the great themes of Hebrews is the need for patience, and when everything seems dark, all I can do is direct my gaze to the Lord. The Lord came to reward His people with eternal salvation. Therefore, we should not hesitate, like those who could not enter the Promised Land out of fear, but we should put our faith in the faithful Lord and put our trust in His promises and will. Those who live such a life are those who have eternal life and can accept God's commands with joy. With what kind of heart should I act, believing that Jesus will return soon?