The Greater Weight

For the last two weeks we looked at this "greater weight" that is emphasized in Hebrews 1-2:4. In spite of the current and pending persecution this church was facing, the writer of the Hebrews wanted them to know (and us) what we have in this great salvation won for us through Jesus Christ, pales in comparison to any light and momentary affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17) we may be experiencing.

The assurance if this hope we have was "declared first by the Lord" (Hebrews 2:3a). We look to the activity of the Lord while he was with us. For the three years of ministry Jesus was resolute as to his purpose - "I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness" (John 12:45).

"And it was attested to us by those who heard" (Hebrews 2:3b). We have many accredited witnesses "which have heard, which have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life" (1 John 1:1).

"While God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by the gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will" (Hebrews 2:4). A confirmation and validation of this great salvation by God in the works of the apostles, disciples and children of God throughout the ages.

In the face of such evidence, the writer to the Hebrews poses the question. "How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"

Found Alone

All the things that we hold dear, do they pale in comparison to what we have in Christ? That is the question that confronted the first century Hebrew Christians. That is also the question before each of us today.

The Message Bible translation puts it in plain speak for us as to what our answer must be.

Hebrews 12:28-29.
Do you see what we've got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He's actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won't quit until it's all cleansed. God himself is Fire!

An Exhortation to Steadfastness

We finished our study on the Cross of Christ. All the blessing of the cross are mine, but I must take hold of it by faith alone in the finished work of Christ. This pulls at us because by nature we think we have to do something. Well, the "do something" is to believe.

This week we began a study of the Book of Hebrews. I sensed that the Lord is preparing us for the trials that are to come as His return draws near. Hebrews is one continued plea to cleave to Jesus. Our faith in Christ will be severely tested. What we have in Christ is superior than anything this world can offer us. In fact, Hebrews 13:14 tells us that For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

So the exhortation to us in these last days is to be steadfast, patient and hopeful in all that God has revealed and won for us in His Son, Jesus Christ.