I just started reading the book of Hebrews a couple of days ago. There is just something about Hebrews. It’s a declaration to the people, “The law was satisfied with Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. We can endure to the end.” It’s a book written to the Jews who believed Jesus Christ to be the Messiah. They were suffering various hardships due to their allegiance to Jesus and were in danger of reverting back to Judaism, back to the law; back to what they knew. Thus, the author of Hebrews is appealing to them to persevere, as they faced adversity; reminding them of Jesus’ superiority to the angels—Hebrews 1-2 and His superiority to Moses—Hebrews 3. Jesus, our Great High Priest (who is God’s Messenger), opened access for us to boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place—Hebrews 10:19. His death and resurrection allows us to step into God’s presence with true hearts, as our evil consciences have been made clean by Christ’s blood—Hebrews 10:22. He is the perfect sacrifice and offering for all time—Hebrews 9:12, 14. Our hearts are completely purified from the deeds that lead to death, solely by His blood; so we can worship God freely, untainted—Hebrews 9:14. The repeated blood of sacrifices is needed no more; Jesus’s blood is enough—Hebrews 9:26. Therefore, the call while in trial to not throw off our confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens, remembering the great reward it brings us. Patient endurance is what we need right now, so that we will continue to do His will. Then we will receive all that He promised. For He is returning—Hebrews 10:35-37.
As I read through chapter 3 today, I noticed the author highlighting to the people Moses’ position. A servant of God. He lived God’s creation. There is One God, and Jesus Christ is Him; He is the One worthy of more glory than Moses—Hebrews 3:3. The call to my own heart, to think upon Jesus. We belong to God and are bound for heaven, taking steps toward the goal every day; so while we walk this earth amidst trials, hardships and joys we are to think upon Jesus whose faithfulness satisfied the law that held us in bondage. For by His one offering He forever made perfect those whom He is making holy—Hebrews 10:10. He defeated death and the grave once and for all! We are free! He is the perfect sacrifice, providing for us—salvation, the deliverance from the power and effects of sin by His death and resurrection.
The author continues in chapter 3 to exhort the people to be faithful to God, checking their own heart to make sure they are not unbelieving. Are they turning away from the living God? Believers need to exhort and encourage each other lest anyone’s heart grow hardened through the deceitfulness of sin—Hebrews 3:13. For if we are faithful to the end, despite the various hardships, we will share in all that belongs to Christ, for we are heirs of grace—Hebrews 3:14. So the call to not harden our hearts to the voice of the Lord and endure until the end. To think upon Jesus, especially when we are struggling, for He embodies Philippians 4:8. He is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. With every step we take, our dedication to Christ shapes our character—Hebrews 13:1-9. Thus, as we cling to Him, the author and finisher of our faith, we will overcome—Hebrews 12:2.
“Let this encourage God’s holy people to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end, obeying his commands and trusting Jesus”—Revelation 14:12 NLT.
For the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony = unmatched power. A tool to use to reach the lost and hurting Christian with the message of the gospel. Jesus is returning!
Will you pray with me?
Abba! So many today needing to think upon Jesus right where they are at. To actually think upon the One who satisfied the law that held them back, and to be thankful for His deliverance. To live His grace unashamedly. To live His truth. Praying for boldness in soul. For hearts to be strengthened. For Christians to be aligned with You. Many are facing various trials and some are believing they have to do something in order to be released from the pressure. They are bound by legalism, anxious in heart. King, would they remember the cross and the freedom found in the blood of the Lamb. Jesus Christ is their confidence. He is the strength of their life—Psalm 27:1. For by grace we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ, not of works lest anyone should boast—Ephesians 2:8-9. Praying they think upon Jesus and His finished work, humbling themselves before You—1 Peter 5:6. You will deliver them perfectly from the trial so pressing; You will receive the glory! Your presence amidst the flame reveals Your unconditional love for the suffering—Daniel 3:25. They are not alone. There is a perfect timing for the delivery. Praying they trust in You forever, for in YAH is everlasting strength—Isaiah 26:4. “Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts”—Psalm 125:4. So too, Lord, please remove the hearts of stone, hardened by the deceitfulness of sin; replacing them with hearts of flesh purified by the blood of the Lamb—Ezekiel 36:26/Hebrews 3:13. Thank you King, “how awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You”—Psalm 66:3. In Jesus precious name, Amen.