Hebrews 10

SCRIPTURE 

Hebrews 10:35-36  Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

OBSERVATION-What does it say?  

The audience in Hebrews is in an apparent crises of faith.  They are looking to go back to how things were before the good news of Jesus was revealed to them.  In writing to a group of Jewish believers, the author is reminding them that there is no longer a need to turn back to the ways of sacrifice.  Jesus, God’s son, was the ultimate sacrifice and did away with our need to cover our sin.  Because of the work done at the cross, there is victory for those who remain faithful to the end of this life.  Therefore, they are reminded that this life will pass and the rewards will come to those who endure.

UNDERSTANDING-What does it mean?  

Because of my experience in my recreational pursuits, I often associate the idea of endurance and suffering with a degree of choice.  I chose to run a marathon, therefore I also chose to learn to endure through training runs.  But, endurance and suffering also has another side.  In this life of uncertainty, people are often faced with suffering through pains due to simply being caught up in a circumstance they did not create.  Innocent bystanders tragically caught in horrible accidents.  Toddlers who get sick because their pre-school classmate decided to come to school sick.  The list could go on forever.

I remember being at work and a coworker of mine asked, “How can you believe in God when there are so many bad things happening in this world?”  At the time, I was twenty years old, I was a little bit stumped by his certainty that this was evidence that God did not care, or simply did not exist.  I would be lying if I did not admit that I haven’t had the same question at times.  Having suffered several tragic losses, I was tempted to turn away from the God I know to be so good.  But, every time I would hear God saying to me that he was near.

Through tragedy, I am often reminded of the story of Job.  Job was blameless in this world, and allowed to suffer for no reason.  Through the loss of his family and all his possessions, Job remained faithful.  At the end of his suffering, Job, speaking to God, says, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5)  For Job, it wasn’t until he had endured such a great tragedy that he saw how great God truly is.  Ultimately, God restored Job greater than before the suffering began.  

LIFE APPLICATION 

Jesus, draw near to me in time of turbulence.  Help me to know that you are with me, so that I can draw nearer to you.  Help me to keep my eyes on you in times of uncertainty, for I know your reward is coming.   

-Tyler Galloway