Hebrews 10 (7)

Introduction
By His death, Jesus has made a way for us into the eternal resting-place of God. No other way is available to us besides this, so it is pointless and unwise to look to any source other than Jesus for the rest we desire. Instead, keeping our eyes on Jesus and the “enduring possession” that awaits us in heaven, we must press on, encouraging and helping one another to hold fast our confidence, even in the face of persecution. Jesus is coming, and when He does, He will receive to Himself those who do not draw back from Him when troubles come in this life.

Read and meditate on Psalm 40.

Read and meditate on Hebrews 10.

Think it through.
1.  What kinds of persecution were the first readers of the book of Hebrews undergoing? Why was it tempting to “draw back” from their firm confidence in the face of such persecution? How did the writer of Hebrews try to refocus them on Christ? In doing so, he was both confrontational and encouraging. Explain.

2.  Paul said that suffering is a “given” for believers (Phil. 1.29). John said the same (Rev. 1.9), and so did Peter (1 Pet. 1.6, 7; 4.1, 2). In this the apostles were only echoing what Jesus had promised (Jn. 16.33). Do Christians today expect to suffer for their faith in Jesus? Do you? In what ways? We must not allow suffering – or the threat of it – to cause us to “draw back” from Jesus. How can we avoid this happening, that is, what are you learning from Hebrews about how to endure suffering and persevere in faith when trials come? What must we remember? What must we do?

Meditate.
“So, my brothers and sisters, we must not be double-minded. Rather must we patiently hold out in hope so that we may also gain our reward. For ‘he can be trusted who promised’ to pay each one the wages due for his work. If, then, we have done what is right in God’s eyes, we shall enter his kingdom and receive the promises ‘what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived.’” Clement of Rome (fl. 92-101 AD)

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6.11, 12

Thank You, Father, for the gift and calling of suffering with Jesus. Let me not fear to bear reproaches for His sake, but let me prepare daily, and each moment, to…

Pray Psalm 40.1-17.
Pray through this psalm, remembering God’s grace to you and seeking His mercy and grace to give you endurance for the day ahead.

Psalm 40.1-17 (Dix: For the Beauty of the Earth)
I waited patiently for God; He inclined and heard my cry, 
Lifted me up above the sod, set me on a Rock on high!
New songs in my mouth He gave; may He through me many save.

Blessed are all who trust in You, turning both from lies and pride.
Countless wonders, Lord, You do, and Your thoughts with us abide.
Lord, Your worth who can declare?  None with You can e’er compare.

Off’rings You do not require – open now my ears, O Lord – 
What from me do You desire?  Firm delight to do Your Word.
Take my life in ev’ry part; write Your Law upon my heart.

Lord, Your truth will I proclaim to Your people gathered ‘round, 
Nor will I my lips restrain – let Your precious ways resound!
Of Your saving grace and Word I would speak, most loving Lord.

Keep Your mercy not from me; let Your love and truth prevail.
Evil and iniquity make my trembling heart to fail.
Lord, be pleased to rescue me!  Let my shelter with You be.

Bring to shame my ev’ry foe, all who would my life destroy; 
Bring them down to scorn and woe who at my hurt sing for joy.
Let them come to grief and shame who heap scorn upon my name.

Let them shout for joy and sing who in saving grace delight!
Let them praise to Jesus bring, though affliction be their plight.
Christ, our help, our Savior He! Of us ever mindful be!

T. M Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press).