In the midst of overwhelming challenges, we hold on to basic exhortations from Scripture. For clarity. And courage.
Maybe we’re wading in the rising tide of a pandemic. Or standing in the battle against racism and injustice, praying, “…let justice flow like water and righteousness like an unfailing stream” (Amos 5:24).
Hebrews 10 instructs us. Step by step.
1. Draw near to God
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.”
Hebrews 10:22
Draw near to God. Daily. Abiding in Christ through prayer and the Word. Seeking His face.
Draw near with a true heart. How? By asking Him to reveal any unconfessed sin. Whatever divides my heart.
Sometimes I wonder if increasing prayer and fasting for revival has laid bare the nation. Opening eyes to entrenched ungodliness.
James doesn’t mince words. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8).
In a world with so many competing voices, cut through the noise by entering His presence.
Draw near to God.
2. Hold on to the confession of our hope
“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since He who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23
The confession of our hope? The gospel. “The power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16).
Speak the resurrection power that changes lives, minds, hearts. Call souls out of darkness and into the light. Expose unrighteousness and injustice.
Sometimes standing in the battle is complicated and painful. Keep pressing on for the sake of the Kingdom.
And pray with hope.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
3. Watch out for one another
“And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other….”
Hebrews 10:24f
The pandemic forces us to watch out for one another differently. Limitations and lockdowns make us think creatively. Strategically. We find new ways to encourage and bring hope into closed spaces.
In the days following George Floyd’s death, I look at this verse with fresh eyes and a sober heart. Am I watching out for myAfrican American brothers and sisters?
Am I listening carefully to truly hear their stories? Saying, “Yes, black lives matter. Your life matters.”
Am I learning about. Recognizing. And speaking up against systemic racism? Standing with them for the truth?
We watch out for one another with love. The world will know we are His by our love.
All the more
When the pandemic shuts down the world, references to “the end times” increase. The writer of Hebrews has something to say about that.
He moves through step by step. Then ends the passage with “…and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
Rising tide? Ongoing battle? This is not the time to stray away and figure out things on our own.
Step by step
Let us draw near to God, all the more.
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope, all the more.
Let us watch out for one another, all the more.
“…we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved.”
Hebrews 10:39
Step by step.
What about you?
Are you drawing near to God? How are you holding on to the confession of our hope? What ways are you watching out for others, to encourage them in the faith? Stand with them in the battle?
Related posts
Listen – Cry out – Confession of our hope – The mystery of the gospel – Strong roots and movable tents – Hope during a tsunami – Pray continually – Surrender and worship – Living in the unprecedented – Dust – Abiding in Christ – Storm – Habit – Take up His yoke – Gospel conversations along the way –