Reflections on the Book of Hebrews

Got a Gym Membership?

Ask any pilot and they will tell you that the instrument panel in an airplane is first order business.  What is true of airplanes is true of human beings, too.  We lose our way without a spiritual compass.  Jeremiah was right.  It is not within us to direct our own steps. 

This week we have focused on the book of Hebrews.  It is a magnificent book.  The writer exalts the supremacy of the gospel and exhorts struggling believers to hang on to their confession of faith.  Consequently, hearing and drift are important rhetorical devices in the Book of Hebrews.

Responsible hearing keeps us sharp and focused.  Without it we can easily become disoriented and lose our way.  In 2:1 he urges the readers to “pay attention to what they have heard, lest they drift away from it.”  His words assume at least two things:  1.)  There is teaching we should pay attention to and, 2.)  Spiritual focus and strength take effort on our part. In 3:12 he tells them to watch for signs of an unbelieving heart that has the potential of turning them away from the living God.  Earlier, he cites part of Psalm95 which says, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…”  He then takes a page from Israelite history.  The Israelites were turned away from the promise land to languish in the wilderness because “the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united with faith in those who heard” (4:2). 

Perhaps you have heard the ole cliché “If you don’t use it you’ll lose it?”  Good discernment is at the mercy of the discipline of reflection.  In 5:12-14 the writer delivers a strong exhortation because of their lack of disciplined reflection and the threat of spiritual drift.  He says:

11About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

His point?  They had gotten sluggish in their ability to discern the will of God.  Just as there is a difference between milk and meat in the natural world, there is a difference between snacking and real eating in the Spirit world.  In verse 14 he urges them to renew their membership at the spiritual gym.  The word for “practice” is a Greek word from which we get the English word “gymnasium”.  Just as we put our physical bodies back into shape by working out, we refine and strengthen our spiritual selves to discern good and evil by reflecting on the meat of the Word.  Trying to live without consistent reflection on the Word makes about as much sense as getting into an airplane that has no instrument panel.

Someone remarked the other day, “I sometimes feel like a spiritual salmon swimming upstream against the current of cultural messages that discount God’s word, the notion of truth and our calling to be light in a dark world.”  So true.  Who among us doesn’t know what that resistance feels like? 

That’s why we need discernment.  And, more importantly, it’s why we need to engage the Word with our minds and hearts.  Jesus said we should love the Lord with our heart, soul, strength….and mind.  We demonstrate our love for the Lord by immersing ourselves in the Word.  It is an act of discipleship. 

So grab your bible and renew your membership in the gym of consistent reflection.  It’s the best sweating you will ever do.

Holy Father, awaken us to the power and necessity of your Word for our wellbeing.  It is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword.  It can reveal insight and truth to our minds and counsel for our wayward hearts.  We mess up our lives when we try to call the shots by our own understanding.  Help us to read your Word, think about it and surrender our lives to its teaching.  Thank you for the Word that became flesh for our sakes.  Amen.

Randy Daugherty

Stephenville, Texas

Reflections on Texts in Hebrews

Great Cloud of Witnesses

Hebrews 12:1 says that we are not running our race unobserved. While we are running in this spiritual race, the Bible says we are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses."

Who is included in this great cloud of witnesses? Hebrews chapter 11 tells us. Here are the names of the people of faith listed there:

• Abel – offered a better sacrifice by faith and was commended as righteous
• Enoch – by faith he pleased God, so he never experienced death
• Noah – by faith he obeyed God’s command and turned his back on a world of evil
• Abraham – obeyed God and went where God told him to go, without knowing where ths would be. He made his home in the Promised Land even though he was a stranger there. From him came "descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky".
• Isaac – Abraham’s promised child, who by faith blessed Jacob and Esau
• Jacob – who by faith blessed Joseph’s sons and worshiped God
• Joseph – who by faith spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions that his bones should one day be carried out of Egypt and buried in the Promised Land
• Moses’ parents – who by faith hid Moses from the edict of Pharaoh and did not leave him to die
• Moses – who, though adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, by faith refused to be known as her son, and "chose to be mistreated along with the people of God". By faith he kept the first Passover.
• The People of Israel – who by faith passed through the Red Sea
• Rahab- who by faith welcomed God’s spies, saving her family from the fall of Jericho

The rest of this scripture is just too good to leave out. Look at what those that have gone on before us went through.  Hebrews 11: 32-40 says:

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

When you go to a track meet, you are in a stadium and the crowd is surrounding the runners and watching and cheering on the athletes. This is what is happening with us. The huge difference here is that this is the race of our lives. Our spiritual race.

The message of Hebrews 12:1 is, "All these heroes I've listed here and all the other believers who have ever died are watching us from the grandstands in Heaven as we run our spiritual race." They are up there cheering us on!  Not only the people of Heb. 11, but people that we have known and loved and who loved God and glorified Him. They are cheering us on, too. Thinking about their lives, how they lived, what they lived for, and how they died, is an inspiration. Their example shows us how to have that kind of faith and how to live it. Oh, if we could only keep this thought in the forefront of our minds daily.

So who is on your personal great cloud of witnesses list?

It would be good if we each spent some time thinking about it. Maybe we should write their names down and put them up where we can see them daily.

Father, thank you for the men and women of faith that have gone on before us. Thank you that they are cheering us on and waiting on our arrival. Please help us to walk with You daily and to live lives that glorfy You. In Jesus' beautiful name. Amen.

Amy Walker

Nacodoches, Texas

Reflections on the Book of Hebrews

The Highest Place

‘We place You on the highest place For You are the great High Priest.  We place You high above all else, all else; And we come to You and worship at Your feet.’  In 1983, Ramon Pink wrote these simple, but powerful words of worship.  Why does Jesus deserve the ‘highest place of honor’ in our hearts?

I loved John Denver.  I heard him in concert on four different occasions.  Once, in Auckland, New Zealand, I had the privilege to go backstage and to have a brief conversation with him.  There is something thrilling about being in the presence of someone famous.  

The writer of Hebrews tells us that Jesus has been seated on the ‘highest place’.  In Hebrews 4:14-16, he writes, “14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  In Hebrews 7, he says Jesus is ‘holy, blameless, pure, and set apart from sinners.  He offered one perfect sacrifice for our sins—Himself.  He lives forever, always interceding for us.

This Son of God, who passed through the heavens coming into our world and who passed back through the heavens returning to God, took on humanity like us.  He endured temptation just like us.  He understands our weaknesses and sympathizes with our struggles.  And because He is this kind of priest, we are urged by the Hebrew writer to enter God’s throne with CONFIDENCE and BOLDNESS.

I loved meeting John Denver.  I love the memory of conversing with him.  I was awed by his presence.  BUT SCRIPTURE TELLS ME THAT THE ONE WHO IS ON THE HIGHEST PLACE WELCOMES ME INTO HIS PRESENCE.  HOW THRILLING IS THAT!!!

Prayer:  Thank you, Father, for making such a sacrifice—sending your only Son in human form to experience temptation in this world.  Thank you that right now He is in heaven beside You to intercede for me.

Terry Brown

Abilene,Texas

Reflections on the Book of Hebrews

OUTSIDE THE CAMP

(Hebrews 13:12-13)

In the thirteenth chapter of Hebrews, we see an amazing contrast. We see two fires described. One is on the altar before the temple. Here is such a beautiful scene…priest in spotless clothes…the altar where atonement takes place. The best parts and fat of sacrifice are burned there. It smells like a cookout. It reminds you of heaven; God is glorified, prayers are offered and access is given.

But there is another fire outside the camp. Here, the hides, hooves, horns, entrails and the bones are burned. It stinks! Those who tend this fire are unclean. It is dirty and there is no celebration. It reminds us of sin.

These fires remind us of the work of God. God does receive prayers, songs and is the object of our worship. But God also must do the dirty job of dealing with sin. On the Mount of Transfiguration, we see the glory of God. But outside of the gate, on a nasty hill, we see the love and salvation of God as He gives His only Son to a cross.

If we are going to have fellowship with Christ here and now, we must realize that we must do more than worship. We will find Him outside the camp, where sinners are.

Oh, Lord, how excellent is your name. I love to worship you. In worship, everything is so right and beautiful. Please forgive me for avoiding your presence outside of the camp. Give me the wisdom to find you in your work. Give me the courage to face the abuse. And give me the opportunity to be in fellowship with you outside the camp.

 In the name of Your Son, who came to us. Amen.

Paul Shero

San Angelo, Texas

Theme: Reflections on the Book of Hebrews

While it is Still Called Today

How many times “today” have you received encouragement?

How many times “today” will you give encouragement?

Love and encouragement go hand in hand, if we care, we will be a source of encouragement.

How many ways can a fellow Christian be encouraged?

• Verbal words spoken:  face to face, singing, praying, phonecall, recorded card, voicemail.
• Written words:  Scripture, card, note, letter, poster, bumper sticker, billboard, email, text
• Visual:  thumbs up, okay sign, smile, nod
• Touch:  a hug, a kiss, a pat, joined hands
• Silent presence:  in sickness, in grief, in honor
• Modeling:  Kind act, courtesy, humility, appreciation, sacrifice

How many more options can you imagine?

Scripture teaches encouragement through direct command and examples of people who encouraged others in their faith. Romans 12:6-8 says:

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

For some encouragement, edification, exhortation may be a gift and come more naturally.  Acts 4:36 says the apostles changed Joseph’s name to Barnabas which means “son of encouragement.”  There must have been something special about him!  Barnabas boldly spoke the Word of God, building up the followers of Christ. (Acts 11:22-24).  Maybe he had the “gift” of encouragement or maybe he developed it.

With the exception of prophesying, each of the gifts mentioned in Romans 12:6-8 are actions every Christian should be practicing in his/her life through the power of the Holy Spirit (serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, showing mercy)

• Those who led and inspired others, were themselves encouraged by God and others.
• Moses, was encouraged by Jethro and others.The people were given the command to encourage Joshua as he became leader. (Joshua 1:38 and 3:28)
• David was encouraged by Jonathan and others. (1 Samuel 23:16)
• Paul was encouraged, Timothy was encouraged.
• Jesus modeled encouragement often, and was Himself encouraged.
• Those who lead us and those who follow us in faith need and deserve our encouragement.  

It remains a most powerful tool used to strengthen and inspire.  Everyone needs it.  Without it we wither. The Bible is filled with statements and examples of people giving encouragement and people being refreshed by it. Scripture encourages us to edify and build up other believers. So if we have “today,” shouldn’t we be looking for ways to “daily” encourage those in our lives, that they be strong and courageous, remaining faithful to the LORD?  Hebrews 3:12-13 says, “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

The following texts are a few of my favorite “encourage” scriptures:  Isaiah 33:3-4; Isaiah 41:7; Acts 18:27; Romans 1:12; Romans 15:4; Romans 16 Phil 2:1-3; Col. 2:2-3; 1 Thess. 5:11, 14; Heb. 10:24-25, Titus 2:4.

Beloved Heavenly Father,      

Your love amazes us.  You have given everything we need for life and godliness.  You delight us with your wonders.   Help us take the encouragement You daily provide us through Your Word, Your Presence and Your people  and graciously offer it to those we meet.   Many are hurt and long for a strand of hope.  Many are exhausted and need to be re-energized.  Many are lost and need the salvation You provide.  May we be strong and courageous as we follow Jesus and encourage others to do the same.  We rejoice in Jesus and His sacrifice that makes us whole.

In His precious name, Amen

Mischelle Oliver

Stephenville, Texas

Reflections on the Book of Hebrews

A Good Mystery

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.  Hebrews 6:4-6.

There’s nothing I like better than a cup of coffee and a good mystery.  The book of Hebrews will always capture the interest of a prayerful sleuth.

The writer, the intended audience, the setting, and the year it was written elude us, but this takes nothing away from its message.  The author admits having much to say that is “hard to explain” so we dare not shy away from its more perplexing sections.

As a Gentile Christian I must be content to only imagine the richness and depth of understanding available to my Judeo-Christian brothers and sisters as the writer harkens us back to earlier times, and binds us together with reminders of our enlightenment:  our once-in-a-lifetime conversion experience.  

Please read Hebrews 6:4-6 above.

The consequences of enlightenment are both sweet and terrible.  We can’t ignore the possibility of “falling away.” James W. Thompson (Paideia Commentaries on the New Testament – Hebrews, 2008) states:

Just as the series of images for the new existence in Christ recalls a decisive moment of turning from darkness to light…falling away [parapesontas] points to a decisive moment of abandonment of the extraordinary gifts that the author has enumerated…The word does not refer to an ethical lapse or to theological error in this context….once [hapax] suggests the experience of being ‘enlightened’ and of tasting ‘the heavenly gift’ as unrepeatable.  Thus to renew to repentance again is impossible because the decisive moment of conversion cannot be repeated….A great salvation has equally great consequences for those who reject it (p. 134).

Jesus Christ entered the Most Holy Place once (9:12).  He was sacrificed [on a Roman cross] once (9:28) to make us holy (10:10).  Then he sat down at the right hand of God (10:12).  If we reject Christ’s sacrifice and the gifts it ensured, we don’t get a do-over.

The characters in this marvelous book never change – Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, the prophets and many others.  Fallible heroes, whose stories of faith change us from diaper children, content with mother’s milk, to adults capable of meatier matters.  And let’s not forget the happy ending for those who don’t fall away.

Father God, you are too awesome to comprehend and yet so transparent.  This is another mystery. Continue to reveal yourself to us in spite of our human limitations to understand.  Thank you for the gift of grace to those who don’t fall away.  Through Christ we pray, amen.

Sandra Milholland

Abilene, Texas