I believe the greatest temptation facing the Christian church is the temptation to promote the church on the basis of the here and now; what the church can do for you today. The idea is that your life will be better today because you embrace faith in Jesus and join the church. As a follower of Jesus I am given the opportunity of living a life of integrity and loving relationships. But, as a follower of Jesus I am never promised the preverbal ‘rose garden.’ Life is full of problems and people. Some people are trying to follow Jesus, but most are not. Many people begin with the church but as soon as the inevitable conflicts and problems arise, they turn away.
Over and against a Pollyanna approach to life the author of Hebrews lifts up three compelling themes: There is a world to come where the believers will reign with Jesus; Jesus is our hope for the fulfillment of all of God’s promises in the world to come; and Jesus, in His humanity, is a very present comfort in the here and now because He fully understands the human condition.
Inspired by Psalm 95 the author challenges the Christian community to stay focused on their future hope in Christ so that they can live boldly for Christ in the present.
Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the LORD our maker,
for he is our God.
We are the people he watches over,
the flock under his care.
If only you would listen to his voice today!
Psalm 95:6-7
What word or phrase in these verses
attracts your attention?
Reflect on that word or phrase.
What insights come to you?
How does this passage touch your life today?
19-Feb-12 Heb. 4:1-5:10
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