Intro: The writer of Hebrews spends many chapters speaking to Christ’s followers about the superiority of Christ over everything else in life. Basically, there is nothing better to experience in life than sharing oneself with Christ; life in Christ is the BEST! The writer then moves to the superiority of the Christian’s faith over religious expressions and traditions; faith is more powerful in its practice—it moves spiritual mountains. Faith is what connects us in Christ throughout each day. We live by faith not by site; therefore, we never really know when we might need endurance and extra strength, but Jesus has promised to provide for our present needs, as well as our future needs. Our faith must mature and it will as we follow Christ even during momentary times of suffering.
In our passage today, the Hebrew Christians are trying to cope with the pressures of life. They are receiving religious and social persecution from the Jews, as well as physical persecution from the Romans. Life is difficult for them, yet they suffer with patience. Some times we, too, have to suffer in life. With patience, we hold on to the hem of Christ’s garment until things change or until God changes us. Certainly, suffering causes us to look at life differently. If you are going through a hard time, please stay focused on the maturing of your faith and never stop living righteously for the King and his eternal Kingdom. This sinful world will one day pass away, but God’s Kingdom is eternal.
Hebrews 10:32-39
32 Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. 33 Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. 34 You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.
35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
37
“For in just a little while,
the Coming One will come and not delay.
38
And my righteous ones will live by faith.
But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your promise that better things lay ahead for all your children. Therefore, I place my confidence in you; I trust your plans, purpose, and provision for my life and the lives of my loved ones. In Jesus’ name. Amen.