Readings for today: Hebrews 9-13
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” (Hebrews 12:1)
The world is not a friendly place for those who follow Jesus. In some places, the hostility is veiled. It’s an undercurrent. It manifests itself subtlety. In such places, Christianity might be perceived as quaint or old-fashioned. Christians themselves are perceived as odd or a little weird. In other places, the hostility is more open. Christianity is perceived as a threat to the wider culture. Christians are accused of being hateful and bigoted. Their way of life is perceived as a clear and present danger to others. Laws are passed to protect the culture from the “threat” of Christianity. Christians are subject to public shame. Some lose their jobs. Some are outcast from their communities. The pressure ratchets up. Finally, there are places where the hostility turns violent. Christianity is perceived not just as wrong or misguided but as evil and heretical. In such places, Christians often suffer tremendous persecution. They are imprisoned. Tortured. Even killed for their faith.
The first Christians faced all these things and more. In those early centuries, there were periods of widespread, intense persecution followed by periods of relative peace. However, even in those peaceful times, Christianity was always perceived as a cultural threat on some level because their way of life was so different. Almost everything they did was baffling to the pagans around them. The way they treated the poor, cared for the sick, or rescued abandoned infants in the countryside seemed strange to those around them. Their moral and sexual ethics definitely placed them at odds with their neighbors. The way they worshipped and gave and held all things in common was confusing in a world of idolatry, greed, and exploitation. And this is why Christians were often targeted. The world simply doesn’t tolerate what it doesn’t understand.
This is why the author of Hebrews focuses so much attention on faithful endurance. He knows their struggles. He faces them himself. He knows their sufferings. He’s probably experienced them as well. He knows life in a hostile world is hard and difficult which is why he continually points them to Jesus as the “author and perfecter of faith.” It’s why he encourages them to “draw near to Christ with a true heart and full assurance of faith.” It’s why he exhorts them to “hold fast the confession of hope without wavering.” It’s why he offers up an entire chapter detailing the lives of the saints who have gone before them who have endured so much. And it’s why he warns them against falling into sin lest they find themselves under God’s judgment.
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” (Hebrews 10:39) Ultimately, the author of Hebrews wants to encourage his brothers and sisters. He wants them to lay aside every weight. Untangle themselves from every sin. Endure with joy every hardship. Lift their drooping hands and strengthen their weak knees. He wants them to straighten their paths. Strive for peace. Love one another. Lay hold of the Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Friends, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” which means these words are as much for us today as they were for the Christian believers back then. The world around hasn’t changed much since those early days. Here in America, the hostility against Christians only grows. It will take great courage to live out our faith in the years ahead. It will take great endurance to suffer for the sake of Christ. It will take great humility to continue to confront our own sin. But through it all, we have a high priest who is faithful! One who has shed His own blood to open the way to the very throne room of God. He is more than able to save to the uttermost those who place their trust in Him so keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, friends! He will carry you all the way home!
Readings for tomorrow: 2 Timothy 1-4