This passage struck me tonight. I have been reading through Hebrews lately and the last chapter I read was Chapter10. So it wasn't all that far back that I read this passage. And tonight, in an effort to hear the things God has to say to me, I opened up my Bible to the next chapter, Chapter 11. Except, instead of starting at 11:1, my eyes were drawn to 10:32. And for some reason, as I sat at the kitchen table reading those first words, I was transfixed. They suddenly hit home. I felt as though I was reading them for the first time, and was...well, AM profoundly disturbed that none of the things I am about to write even occurred to me that last time."32Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. 38But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." 39But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved."
Verses 32 to 36 are the main focus. 37 to 39 is just icing on this portion of the cake.
Verse 32 begins the passage with the words, "Remember those earlier days after you had first received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. " This is the best time to remember, that point when, as new Christians, we freshly experienced the love of Christ. That time when we became deeply passionate about our Savior and the new hope we received in Him. But, over time, this feeling inevitably fades. There are few to none of us who can say they have never experienced a falling out with God. Sometimes, though, all it takes to break through the sheets of ice around one's heart is the warm breath of a memory of ourselves in Christ. Especially during the earliest season of our faith.
Do you remember how willing and eager you were to serve the Father when you first found yourself at His feet? Do you remember how fiercely you fought to show His love to everyone you met? If you can't remember, you should take some time to. Because that is how we should be all the time. Passionate, fiery, humble, beautiful children of God.
Verses 33 and 34 are equally as important," Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions." What really struck me about these verses were these words in verse 34," joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property." Not only should be be able to give away that which we own, but we should be joyful when such a thing happens. What a concept for this modern world, eh? In a world where property is power and power is everything, this seems like the last thing anyone would be happy to experience. But that is the beauty of Jesus. Everything is backwards with Him. Or rather, the world is completely backwards from Jesus.
If there is one thing I have learned throughout my short stint of this planet, it is that Jesus does things better.
Lastly, I was most heartened by the cry to persevere. I have recently been having trouble focusing on God and restraining myself in my vices. But the New Testament is ever so good at bolstering my weak resolve.
Thank you God, for another beautiful revelation into your Word.
Laus Deo!
