BECAUSE ....

Scripture for the day: Hebrews 1:2-3a [God] has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power.

Thought for the day: I’m not sure who the author of the letter to the Hebrews was; many point to Paul, and they may be right. Others point toward Apollos, Barnabas, Luke, Aquila, Priscilla or one of several other important members of the early church. I’ve come to the conclusion that authorship is unimportant. What is important is the message this unknown author has provided. I do know this about the author; he or she was above average in the organization arena. Their entire argument is presented in a logical building-block presentation where one thought builds upon the ones outlined earlier, culminating in a message easily understood by all who would take the time to read to the end. I envy that person their ability to be so logical. I have often wished my brain worked at least a bit more like that. There is no hope of that, I fear, for my activities are still too often governed by the last thought that invaded my already overcrowded mind.

In chapter ten, the writer makes a shift from foundation to implementation. As so many do, he uses that crucial word “therefore” to introduce his shift. He (or she) has spent some time recounting all God has done in establishing his people and, after his arguments are clearly laid out, he says, “Therefore….”

- Because He sent His son rather than prophets and angels;

- Because the Son is far above all the messengers of heaven;

- Because Jesus was humiliated for our redemption;

- Because God has promised a place of “rest” for the soul relying on Him;

- Because we have a high priest, Jesus, who has provided for our every need;

- Because it is possible to fall away;

- Because our hope is sure in Jesus, having been provided by the God of Abraham;

- Because our hope is an anchor for the soul;

- Because Jesus stands, ever interceding for us with the Father;

- Because our covenant with Him is of the heart;

- Because we are sanctified, purified, set apart for God’s exclusive use, by the obedience of Jesus;

Therefore! Therefore what? The answer is three-fold, beginning in verse 22 of Hebrews 10. First, because of all the Father has provided for us through the Son – forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration – “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” We can, as the author says, “boldly approach the throne of grace.” We can do so because of all the Christ has done in providing a way back to the Father. Notice if you will, nothing that follows any of the above-mentioned because statements have anything to do with our ability or activity. Everything is done by Him; all that is left for us to do is to believe and approach Him based on that faith.

Second, we can “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering.” Why? Because “He who promised is faithful” (v. 23). He has proven His faithfulness by not giving up on us and providing a high priest who has access to the very throne we approach through faith.

Third, we can honestly “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” One of the surest exits from discouragements is a word of encouragement from a brother or sister in Christ, particularly one who has gone through the fire. If the Lord could bring that one through when they’ve experienced overwhelming difficulties, He can certainly do the same for me. Be encouraged today, encourage another and ….

Go take on your world. - Bill