Week of July 19

Words are cheap, or so the expression goes, so Christians will choose to show their genuine faith by staying committed to Christ. This introduction encapsulates the point of our focal passage today. The recipients of the Hebrews letter had been tempted to pull away from Christ, so the writer encourages them to remain steadfastly committed to the Lord. The writer uses the symbol of a veil beyond which believers may enter God’s presence. The veil symbolized the life Jesus offered to God when He suffered for our sins (1 Peter 3:18; HCBC). This emblem presents us with a beautiful picture of the cost of our access to the Father and the love that made it possible. Let’s invite the Lord to inspire our hearts as we consider how we may prove our commitment to Him.

We learn in this chapter that the law, as a precursor to Christ and His way, was a mere shadow in contrast to the substance that was to be found in Christ (10:1-4). We must keep in our minds that the first readers of our passage were Jewish Christians who were deeply steeped in the Mosaic law (10:5-18). Gentile readers like us may pick up the theme at the point of declaring that Jesus is the real thing. The author would challenge us not to throw off Jesus and return to our pagan lifestyles (cf. Hebrews 11:1-3; faith gives us eyes to see that this temporal world is not what is real and lasting). We will move from the classroom, so to speak, into practical daily Christian living.
 
A sea change occurs at this point. The doctrinal argument that forms the main section of the book now shifts to instructing believers to apply the scriptural principles to daily living. The Bible, we would say, is the basis for living a flourishing life. The good news for us is that Jesus’ high priestly work has made a meaningful life possible and His Spirit stands ready as our guide to this end (cf. 10:19-25; let us: “draw near,” “hold fast,” and “consider”).

Strong encouragement for us to remain committed has a purpose. Pastors and Christian leaders urge us not to be like those who profess Christ with their lips but without a heartfelt commitment. Instead, we look to these faithful ones for our model. These had passed through the crucible of suffering and emerged with the blessings of Christ intact. Some had met verbal persecution, while others had endured hardships of various kinds. Others among them had suffered disrepute by being associated with the ones who had been persecuted and even had their property confiscated. This commitment to Christ that had sustained them so well, concludes our writer, should not now be thrown away (10:35)! To persist in a life of wrongdoing, without qualms, leads one to judgment (10:26-31).

Have you ever been in a “clean the house” mood and given away something that you thought was no longer needed? Let’s say that I have quite a few “new” books in my library, because I gathered up an important book I needed into a box of “giveaways” and passed them on to someone else. In other words, I later discovered that I had discarded what I had really needed and then had to buy a new copy!
 
Here is the spiritual point. We live in a “jettison Jesus” kind of age, with so many people looking at the faith of our Christian fore-fathers and mothers as being out of date. Many decide to do away with their former commitment to the biblical Jesus. Secondly, some churches today have adopted a spirit of “accommodation” with the world on key and core biblical essentials. They no longer see Christ, for example, as the only way to forgiveness of sin and eternal life. This passage challenges us to give very careful thought to the doctrines of the Christian faith before we choose to discard them. Exercise great care when determining the value of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Keep true to Christ.

1. I regularly hear testimonies about Christians who are suffering ridicule and are being passed over for promotions because they refuse to engage in the immoral practices of their work associates and supervisors. Some of you are encountering similar persecution on the job, with friends, and even in the home. Resolve to remain committed to Christ. Pray for those who are in such circumstances.
 
2. For Families: Much of the Old Testament Covenant with Israel is difficult for adults to understand and even more so for children! We may illustrate the importance of building a life on the right foundation by simply using a deck of cards. Have the children build one house of cards on a table top, and then have them do the same on top of a soft surface, like a pillow. They will recognize that anything built on a pillow will soon collapse with the least amount of movement. 

Teach them that a life pleasing to God, and one that will bring true happiness for them, will be one that is built on the strong foundation of God’s Word and the example of Jesus Christ. Help them to know that the best way to live is to be totally committed to Jesus Christ.

May your paths be straight,
Larry C. Ashlock