TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 9:1-10
The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. - Matthew 27:51
TODAY IN THE WORD
The city of St. Petersburg, Russia, has a rich history. For over two centuries, it served as the capital of the Russian Empire, but when the capital relocated to Moscow in 1918, St. Petersburg lost its status as the center of the Russian world. As Czech author and journalist Joseph Wechsberg quipped, “To the Russians [St. Petersburg] is not what Rome is to the Italians or Paris to the French. The decisions are made in the Kremlin. The city of Peter remains a museum, open from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.”

Upon the crucifixion of Christ, the role of the temple sanctuary in a life of faith and a relationship with God changed dramatically. What was once of central importance was intended to point to a greater reality about God and His people. Although lost, destroyed, or irretrievably hidden after the Babylonian destruction of the temple in 586 B.C., the contents of the original tabernacle sanctuary had been crucial instruments of worship and atonement for generations of priests. They represented the presence, provision, and protection of God—and yet they were not perfect.

The things the author of Hebrews described in these verses were considered the holiest objects and places of the Jewish faith. Had they been preserved to this day (or were they to be discovered) they would be considered the most valuable archaeological treasures in the world. Even now as we read of the Ark of the Covenant, the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s budded staff, and the stone tablets of the covenant, the thought of those artifacts is awe-inspiring. But here the author called it all just an illustration (v. 9), carrying out mere external regulations (v. 10).

The holy objects and rituals, amazing as they were, were not sufficient to clear the conscience or cleanse the stain of sin (v. 9). What’s more, everyone was not free to enter the place where the Lord dwelt. When Jesus died, He tore the curtain that separated the entire world from the Most Holy Place and He completed the ceremonial sacrifices. He had no sins of His own to atone for—only the sins of the world.

APPLY THE WORD
The initial list of qualifications and regulations needed to enter or even draw near to the inner rooms of the tabernacle appear in Leviticus 16. Read through that description and then go back to a verse we focused on earlier this month: Hebrews 4:16. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” Rejoice in what the work of Christ has accomplished! Where man could rarely set foot, Jesus has a permanent place. Through Him, so do we.

[david749]

Praise God for this great gift.....thanks Roger.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 9:11-14
You who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. - Ephesians 2:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
After an explosion sank an off-shore oil rig, The Deepwater Horizon, into the Gulf of Mexico, crews attempted to clean up the nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil using a number of methods. One of the more controversial approaches was the use of an unprecedented amount of a dispersant called Corexit. The blend of chemicals allows the oil to more easily blend with water, preventing it from coating elements of the ecosystem. It doesn’t technically remove the oil, but it does clean the surface.

The presentation of the blood of Old Testament sacrifices provided cleansing and purity for the people of God. It provided atonement, and it allowed the high priest to enter the Most Holy Place once every year. But it did not assuage guilt of their sins from their consciences, and it had to be repeated continually.

Jesus did what the high priests before Him could not do: He entered a better tabernacle that was not of this earth (v. 11). A quick translation note: some Bible versions (NIV) translate the phrase in verse 11 as “the good things that are now already here,” while others (NASB) render it “the good things that are to come.” The reason for the difference stems from a textual variant in the ancient manuscripts, and while most scholars tend to side with the latter translation, the certainty of Christ’s complete work is maintained by both wordings. The important point in these verses is that Jesus alone could enter the heavenly Most Holy Place.

He didn’t enter only a superior tabernacle as a superior high priest, but also He offered a superior sacrifice. The presentation of His own blood brought eternal redemption that could cleanse us inwardly, spiritually. His sacrifice needed to be made but once. And there’s an added level of redemption here. Not only are we protected from the penalty of eternal death caused by sin, but we are also freed from the control of sin and able to serve the living God this very day (v. 14)! Our consciences are clean, and our ability to serve is untarnished!

APPLY THE WORD
How often do we forget that there is another world beyond what we see with our eyes? Let today’s study remind you that our eternal destination is in a better place because Christ offered a better sacrifice to pave a better way. And He did more: He cleansed the invisible stain of sin in our souls when we placed our trust in Him. Find strength for what you face today knowing that all that you need has already been given to you by Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 9:15-28
For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. - Isaiah 53:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
In legal parlance, a covenant generally stipulates an action or actions that both parties agree to carry out (or refrain from). It is a promise to behave in a certain way. At this point in his letter to the Hebrews, the author points out a peculiar detail of God’s covenants, new and old, with His people. In some ways these covenants of promised action take on the function of a last will and testament. They are covenants because both parties live on (for eternity, no less). But the covenant also calls for an inheritance, as in the case of a will—and to enact it, someone has to die.

To make this legal arrangement even more interesting, Jesus is the Testator (the one whose will it is), the Decedent (the one who has died), the Executor of the will (who carries out the provisions), and the Mediator of the covenant (who intercedes on our behalf before the Father). We’ve already discussed how He is both the high priest and the sacrifice, and at the beginning of the book we learned that the world was created through and is sustained by Christ (1:2, 3). How significant do you feel by comparison?

Somehow, though, in all His glory and authority, the reason Christ mediates this covenant—the reason He offered His own blood as a sacrifice—is so that we could receive our inheritance, which is eternal salvation and relationship with God (v. 15). If Christ’s many roles had you feeling small, His sacrifice should make you feel quite special.

Much of today’s reading restates what we’ve already read and puts it into its logical context in the story of our salvation. Jesus, our high priest, entered heaven in a manner that previous high priests could only symbolize on earth. Once and for all, at the culmination of the ages in a realm not bound by time as we know it, Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice and eradicated the power of sin (v. 26). From the moment Adam and Eve first sinned, it was mankind’s destiny to die once and appear before God to face judgment. Jesus countered by dying once and offering His sacrifice before God in order to accomplish salvation.

APPLY THE WORD
If we think about it long enough, the greatness of Jesus Christ will make our heads spin. We can’t grasp the enormity of His glory in our finite minds, but we can testify to His vital importance with our actions. The Testator, Decedent, Executor, and Mediator of God’s covenant ensures your salvation! How can we let our own selfish inklings and material desires get in the way of serving Him? Let us live like people who are waiting eagerly for His return.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 10:1-18
And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary. - Hebrews 10:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
On June 2, 2010, pitcher Armando Galarraga had a perfect game, one of the rarest achievements in baseball. But on the would-be final play at first base, umpire Jim Joyce ruled the runner safe, a call every observer could see was wrong. After the game, Joyce admitted he was wrong and ruefully said: “I just cost that kid a perfect game.” The call could not be reversed, but the next day, June 3, the pitcher and umpire met at home plate, and the audience stood in applause in recognition of a different kind of perfection—the kind that comes from forgiveness and restoration.

Human attempts at perfection are almost always doomed from the start. Even a mistake-free performance is subject not only to the mistakes of others but also to the impermanence of the temporal world. What we often consider perfection is just the act of being error-free for a limited time. We can’t stave off sin on our own. Animal sacrifices brought ceremonial atonement and purity for a year only. And even after a spotless sacrifice was presented, the guilt of sin remained on the consciences of those who worshiped (v. 2). Even an unblemished sacrifice was still not perfect.

Again, the author of Hebrews used Old Testament messianic prophecies to establish Jesus’ standing as a better sacrifice and priest (cf. Ps. 40:6-8; Jer. 31:33-34). He will also bring about a better covenant. Instead of a written law, the earthly copy of God’s heavenly realities (v. 1), Christ will usher in a law that is programmed into our very makeup (v. 16). Rather than obeying a list of rules, we will be ruled by the righteousness of Christ within us!

The picture of the future in Christ painted in these last verses is vivid, bright, and promising. All enemies of Christ will be defeated. All believers are made perfect in Him, although our sanctification is a process (v. 14). And perhaps the most miraculous act of all is that the sin we have already committed, which is prevalent and despicable, will be erased from God’s consideration (v. 17). We have every reason to be hopeful and motivated to serve in obedience.

APPLY THE WORD
The reality of our weaknesses and shortcomings can depress and discourage us if we focus on them. But we are, at this very moment, forgiven of our sins! Allow that truth to sink into your heart today. Remember that as you consider those who have wronged you, even those who refuse to apologize. What grounds do any of us have to hold grudges? Soften your heart toward those in the wrong and ask the Spirit to help you forgive, for you have been forgiven much.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 10:19-25
Encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
Ramzi Yousef, convicted of perpetrating the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, was sentenced to 240 years and life in solitary confinement. The only human contact he is allowed comes in the form of legal counsel and minimal exposure to the guards watching over his isolated cell block (which houses only one other prisoner). Some activists call that level of isolation cruel and unusual punishment. Others think it’s necessary for national security. Everyone agrees that it is severe punishment indeed.

For whatever reason, believers often get into the habit of putting themselves (or at least the Christian aspect of themselves) in utter solitude. Some of this letter’s original audience may have done this out of fear—discovery of their faith could have led to literal imprisonment or torture. Others may have given up hope or simply grown lazy in their development as believers. In our day, the excuse could be shame, depression, frustration, or any number of reasons for withdrawing from fellowship with other believers. But spiritual solitary confinement can have severe consequences.

To counter this, the writer issues three “let us” directives in today’s passage. The first was to draw near to God (v. 22). We have every assurance that God welcomes us into a loving relationship. The second “let us” statement is related in that we are called to hold on to hope, namely our hope in the salvation promised to us (v. 23). We are not isolated from God, and we are not abandoned to waste away in this fallen world.

Both of these “let us” statements affect our vertical relationship with God. But we are also created for relationship with other people, not only with God. To thrive spiritually, we also need deep connections with others. Hence the third exhortation: we need to stay connected to our fellow believers (v. 24). This involves more than attending church, although that is a helpful part of it. We aren’t just called to congregate socially but to hold each other accountable, to love each other, and to serve together as well. We persevere in pursuing our relationship with God and building our faith, and we also grow spiritually by acting in faith to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ.

APPLY THE WORD
Notice how verses 24 and 25 frame our fellowship as believers. We aren’t called to continue meeting together for the purpose of self-improvement. We should enter into our relationship with fellow believers with an eye toward encouraging others. Consider how you can take the initiative to encourage your church family. Waiting for others to come to you is the first step toward isolation. Instead, find someone who needs your help or a ministry that needs your service.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 10:26-39
Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! - Romans 6:1-2
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1912, the volcano Novarupta in southern Alaska erupted, the largest of its kind in the twentieth century. The blast had worldwide impact. In the next few days, Kodiak Island, which is 100 miles away, became covered in a foot of ash—the nearby Knife Creek valley was so filled with ash, it appeared perfectly flat. Within two weeks, clouds of ash reached all the way to Africa. Due to the lack of modern seismology, no one had seen the eruption coming.

Sometimes as the benefactors of God’s grace, we treat the Lord’s wrath as if it’s a volcano that has gone permanently dormant. But unlike the case of Mount Novarupta, we are without excuse if we aren’t prepared for the coming eruption. Much of Hebrews has featured reminders from the Old Testament that God’s merciful plan of salvation has its roots in God’s earliest promises to His people, probably because many Jewish believers appeared to have trouble connecting the new covenant of Christ with the old traditions of Israel. Today’s reading corrects an equally dangerous error: thinking that God’s intolerance of unbelief was limited to the Old Testament.

At the outset of this passage, the author issued his sternest warning yet. Deliberate, sustained, rebellious sin is a serious offense, and the author of Hebrews did not see how genuine faith could produce such callously wicked results. Moreover, he did not see how the believers he knew and loved could ever become guilty of turning away.

The audience of this letter had already suffered for the cause of Christ with the knowledge that something better awaited them (v. 34). It would have been the pinnacle of foolishness to endure the punishment of society now and the wrath of God in the future. Were true believers really in danger of falling away in such a manner? The author himself doesn’t appear to think so, as he wrote, “But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved” (v. 39). Nevertheless, the idea that our actions are without consequence is preposterous. God judges unbelief. And true faith bears no resemblance to the wickedness that incurs God’s wrath.

APPLY THE WORD
The natural inward reaction to the warnings in Hebrews, such as the one beginning in verse 26, is to ask yourself, “Have I sinned so greatly as to deserve God’s judgment?” But that’s the wrong question to ask. To dwell on past sins is to focus on your own spiritual depravity. Your works are what condemned you, not what saves you. Turn your eyes instead on your high priest, Jesus Christ, and His Spirit who indwells and seals you for salvation. Now obey Him with confidence.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 11:1-3
Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his New York Times opinion piece entitled, “Taking Science on Faith,” author and researcher Paul Davies questioned the premise that scientists believe only in the facts that can be proved by physical evidence. He asserted that scientists blindly trust the impersonal, mathematical laws of physics to behave in an orderly, consistent fashion without any explanation as to why that is the case. He concluded, “Until science comes up with a testable theory of the laws of the universe, its claim to be free of faith is manifestly bogus.”

In a similar way, Christians who claim to have incontrovertible proof of all that we believe do not really reflect what Scripture teaches. The reason we call it faith is that, as today’s passage explains clearly, for us believing does not require seeing. That is not to say that our beliefs aren’t supported by the facts we have at our disposal. But ultimately, we put our trust in the invisible, even when the visible might discourage us.

Let’s work backwards through these three verses, because the third points to the explanation for the very earliest event in which we believe: the creation of the visible universe by a being we cannot see. What evidence, apart from the testimony of those to whom God has spoken, could prove that in our current context? We understand it to be true in part because of the undeniable difference we have experienced in our lives.

The testimony of those who have gone before us speaks loudly and authoritatively to us (v. 2). While we do not have proof in the specific scientific sense, we do have assurance. And while our hopes in the future resurrection cannot be tested in a laboratory, we do have confidence that our hope is not misplaced. We have the examples of many believers who share our faith, even those who died waiting to see the fulfillment of what was promised to them. The reason we have that assurance: the person of Jesus Christ our Savior. Those before Christ had faith He would come to enact salvation, and we have faith that He did. Even now, we continue to have faith that He will come again and lead us into our eternal inheritance.

APPLY THE WORD
However sincere their convictions, everyone accepts some of their most basic beliefs on faith. While apologetic arguments for our faith can serve to strengthen and encourage us, the best evidence in support of our faith is faithful obedience to God, which includes being loving and humble in your treatment of those who disagree. If you have people in your life whom you long to see accept the truth of salvation, resist the urge to argue and instead seek to love and serve them.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 11:4-16
And without faith it is impossible to please God. - Hebrews 11:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Yesterday we mentioned our legacy from past people of faith who testify in support of our common hope. Today we begin to explore the catalog of witnesses in Hebrews 11, what is commonly referred to as the Hall of Faith. This chapter includes some of the most widely known heroes of the Old Testament, but the author of Hebrews began the list with two comparatively unheralded names from the past.

The first was Abel, whose entire life was chronicled in the span of a mere seven verses (Gen. 4:2-8). The reason God found Abel’s sacrifice to be favorable has been the subject of much speculation, but the core reason is identified beyond doubt in this passage: Abel had faith. He believed in something he could not see in a way that Cain did not. And, as verse 4 alludes, the blood of Abel cried out to God even after it was spilled (Gen. 4:10). He was murdered, but a new home awaited him.

Enoch’s time on earth was also recorded briefly, as he was mentioned only

in the genealogy from Adam to Noah (Gen. 5:18-24). We know even less of Enoch, but the Bible does say that he walked faithfully and that God “took him away” in mystery. It’s interesting that Hebrews, which states that people are destined to die once (9:27), mentions Enoch for whom no record of death is found. It is fitting, since the author of Hebrews wanted to remind his audience that eternal life existed beyond this fallen world.

The faith of Noah, Abraham, and Sarah needs little review. The names alone elicit strong emotions in the hearts of believers who have studied the miracle of Noah’s rescue from both flood waters and cultural ridicule and of Abraham and Sarah’s amazing story of childbirth at an impossible age. Their faith will never be forgotten. What we often fail to remember is that they all relied on faith to the very end of their lives on earth. The phrase stands out like a neon sign: “They did not receive the things promised” (v. 13).

APPLY THE WORD
It’s humbling to realize that the most revered people in the history of our faith felt like strangers on this planet. They looked forward to another home. To follow their examples, we cannot tie up our emotional attachments to the things of earth. Our possessions, our work, our leisure activities, and even our health are all ultimately temporary. God has prepared a city in a heavenly country for us—anchor your heart in the world to come.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 11:17-35
He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. - 1 Peter 1:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
You can learn a wealth of information about people by asking their thoughts about dying. Some, like Mark Twain, stress the importance of character: “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” Others, like Groucho Marx, prefer to laugh away their concerns: “I intend to live forever, or die trying.” People of faith, like Billy Graham, focus on the life beyond: “You’re born. You suffer. You die. Fortunately, there’s a loophole.”

Today’s portion of the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith includes a host of men and women who treated death like a minor obstacle. Most notable among them was Abraham, because his faith in the power of God to conquer death extended even to the life of his beloved son. Those who follow this example of fearlessness and faith in a life after death are the spiritual children of Abraham.

Isaac blessed his sons, knowing that God had a plan for their future even after his death. Jacob, for all of his flaws, retained his faith in God’s plan for the nation that would spring forth from his sons. And Joseph’s faith even extended to the final resting place of his bones, believing that his descendants would be free to carry him out of Egypt (Gen. 50:4). The fulfillment of his prophetic words wouldn’t come for another 430 years, but it came to pass, by faith (Ex. 12:41).

Moses’ parents did not fear the edict of death pronounced upon their child. Moses did not fear the attack of Pharaoh when he led his people out of Egypt. And the nation of Israel did not fear the walls of water that ultimately crashed down upon their pursuers in the Red Sea. All of these examples looked forward not only to a new country but also to a resurrection beyond their earthly graves. To imitate the words of the author of Hebrews, we do not have the time or space to study each entry in the Hall of Faith of this chapter. Death, torture, fire, and sword were not powerful enough to conquer the faith of these heroes who share in the same promise in which we hope.

APPLY THE WORD
If you’re facing a trial today or you have recently come through one, reread chapter 11 and imagine your name and your struggle included in the list. How does what you fear most compare to the situations faced by God’s people in the past? Is there any reason to fear? Not at all! Do not be discouraged. None of the people mentioned in this chapter were perfect, but they all saw their faith to completion because they believed in what God had promised. You can too!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 11:36-40
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. - John 15:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
During the primaries leading up to the 2008 presidential election, two prominent candidates made the mistake of using the word wasted to describe the lives of American troops who died fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Both candidates intended to convey the idea that the deaths could have been avoided, but their poor choice of words grieved the families who lost their beloved sons and daughters and who needed to be reassured that their losses were not in vain.

A life unselfishly given out of love for another is never a waste. But it isn’t always easy to see that under tragic circumstances. It is very likely that the recipients of this letter personally knew believers who had been martyred. The history of God’s people is filled with examples of those who paid the ultimate price for their faith. Today’s passage mentions this group and defines their identity by their courageous faithfulness to the very end.

A stark reality puts a harrowing signature on this commemoration of their sacrifices. “None of them received what had been promised” (v. 39). It is hard to read those words without thinking, “What a waste!” But their lives were not wasted at all. God had planned something better! What those men and women receive in eternity is incomparably better than anything they ever could have attained in this life. The readers of Hebrews needed to know that just as we need to know it now. Why? Because we play a part in giving their deaths meaning.

Only together with us, the body of Christ who remain faithful to the very end, will the martyrs of the past be made perfectly complete. Those who looked forward in faith to the coming of Christ will be joined with those who look back in faith to His resurrection and welcome the indwelling of His Spirit. They helped bring the message of salvation to us. It is our duty to keep it alive by maintaining our confidence in the truth and our obedience to the Word of God. To ignore that would be to treat their sacrifices, and the death of Jesus Himself, as a wasted loss.

APPLY THE WORD
As believers we are united and interconnected in Christ. Because of that, our actions take on immense significance. Who we are individually reflects on the entire group. This isn’t meant to be a guilt trip but rather an opportunity for encouragement. We have a responsibility to each other that includes the profound privilege to help each other in faith. In doing so, we honor those who have gone before us and leave a legacy of love.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 12:1-11
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. - Hebrews 12:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Spiros Louis was a humble water carrier who, in 1896, found himself the bearer of unprecedented esteem with a permanent place in the history of his nation. He represented his nation of Greece, the host of the first modern Olympics, in the inaugural running of the race from Marathon to Athens. When he entered the stadium, first of all competitors, the home crowd showered him with cheers. The Crown Prince Constantine and Prince George joined his side for the completion of the arduous race. A man who began the day a commoner finished it as a companion of royalty.

The opening verses of today’s reading comprise one of the most inspiring exhortations in all of Scripture, and they compare the successful completion of a life of faith to the triumphant victory of a race watched by our most faithful supporters, culminating in a royal destination. We fix our eyes on Him who is seated at the right hand of the throne of God and who traveled a much more painful road to arrive there. Our sin, our worries, our troubles, and our frustrations are nothing but needless entanglements holding us back. We are called to throw it all off—what a freeing, invigorating invitation!

After verse 3, however, the author changed tone in order to recognize the very real hardship faced by every believer. By doing so, he helped his audience view their sufferings in the proper perspective: as discipline from the Father. His warning that only illegitimate children would not undergo discipline is purely hypothetical—for everyone undergoes discipline (v. 8). You need not worry about whether you have faced enough hardship in life to be counted a true believer.

The point is to be encouraged by the discipline you have faced and will continue to overcome. Hardship is a reminder that the things of this earth that make us content and comfortable are not the things that will last for eternity. By shifting our appreciation from temporal things to a longing for eternal blessing, discipline sanctifies us into a share of God’s holiness. We are set apart from the citizens of this world, and we become participants in the race that ends at the feet of Christ.

APPLY THE WORD
Take a serious approach today to the call to throw off everything that hinders us. Obviously, the entanglements of sin should be eliminated, but let’s consider what else might be holding us back. These things might not be inherently sinful, but they are preventing your spiritual race. Maybe there’s a relationship that needs to change or a habit that needs to be eliminated from (or added to) your routine. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify and release anything that is holding you back spiritually.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 12:12-17
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. - Proverbs 4:26
TODAY IN THE WORD
For centuries, the nation of Switzerland has maintained a foreign policy of neutrality. Their goal, criticized by some, has been to stay out of the fray during times of conflict among neighboring nations—but that doesn’t mean they are without opinion on international matters. For instance, they have been known to offer asylum to politically persecuted people. Many people expect Switzerland to exercise fairness, and their history of doing so isn’t flawless—but their desire to maintain peace is honorable.

As believers, we can learn a lot from that approach, not that we should mimic it exclusively. Sometimes believers in their quest to stand out, sanctified from the world, take a combative approach to anyone who dares challenge our beliefs. But that wasn’t how the author of Hebrews wanted his readers to approach holiness. We shouldn’t go looking for a fight. On the contrary, he asked his audience to make every effort to be at peace and be holy.

It is no simple task to remain true to our convictions and be at peace with those who disagree with us completely. But note that the two commands are not mutually exclusive. In our discipline, we are called to be strengthened, not incapacitated, and to stay on the path of righteousness. Someone who failed in that regard would be like a bitter root, causing trouble for himself and those associated with him (cf. Deut. 29:18). We want others to notice that we are different—not quarrelsome, and definitely not immoral.

The illustration of Esau at the conclusion of this passage reminds us not to follow our primal, material urges. Esau had godless inclinations, and he abandoned his long-term inheritance for instant satisfaction. In time, he grew to desire something more meaningful, but the mistake he made by bartering away his birthright inflicted permanent consequences. Believers aren’t immune to the effects brought on by sin. If we allow God to slip from the focus of our hearts, our sinful inclinations will rise to the surface during moments of weakness. We should never assume that we can escape the repercussions. Keep longing for what is eternal, and the sinful, shallow temptations of this world won’t be so appetizing.

APPLY THE WORD
It’s much easier to live in peace with everyone when we focus on something other than our own desires. Pride, jealousy, and vengeance easily arise from being more concerned with other people’s opinions than remaining on God’s path. Do you have any feelings of bitterness or unrest that have emerged from what you thought was your quest for holiness? Pray for the Spirit to help you discern whether the root of the matter isn’t a selfish thought masquerading as righteous indignation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 12:18-29
When the people . . . saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. - Exodus 20:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
When the time came for God to deliver His commandments to His people, they found His appearance terrifying. The Lord had descended on Mount Sinai in fire, covering it in smoke and shaking the mountain with thunder and lightning. God issued a warning that none of the Israelites should approach the base of the mountain, but they hardly needed to be told. They begged Moses to ask God to talk to only him, for they feared that they couldn’t survive hearing the voice of the Lord (Ex. 20:19).

Such was the scene when the Law was given. The meeting point for the delivery of the message of God’s grace was entirely different. The scene in Hebrews 12 resonates with the heavenly descriptions found in Revelation. Mount Zion, the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, an assembly of angels in the church of the firstborn of heaven . . . these images are both strange and familiar to us on earth. Scripture has given us a peek into the heavenly reality that resounds with our heart’s deepest longings. The constraints of time collapse as past, future, and present collapse into heavenly time: “You have come . . . we are receiving a kingdom” (vv. 22-23, 28).

And unlike the setting at Mount Sinai, where every onlooker was filled with fear at the mere thought of approaching God’s presence, we are called to draw near to Him. In fact, the author warned his readers of the dangers of turning away. As we face the throne of Christ, the world we know is waiting behind us at risk of crumbling into nothing. The only safe place for us to go is to the throne, because nothing else will be left standing (v. 27).

The Israelites at Mount Sinai feared what would happen to them if they got too close to God; now our greatest is fear is what would transpire if we fall away. Through the sacrifice of Christ and His mediation of a new covenant, we are assured of security that nothing on earth can imitate. Our appropriate response is to worship Him “with reverence and awe” (v. 28). Deuteronomy 4:24 reminds us that God is a consuming fire who is jealous of our worship.

APPLY THE WORD
There’s another aspect of our response to the security we have in Christ: gratitude. Hebrews exhorts us to be thankful, and from that springs our acceptable worship. Undoubtedly some circumstances in your life are less than pleasant. But they are also temporary. List the things that will never change for which you are thankful. Rejoice in them and marvel that the Creator of the universe would see fit to bestow eternal riches upon you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 13:1-25
The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. - Hebrews 13:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
The first twelve chapters of Hebrews are filled with some of the most intellectually challenging, spiritually gripping passages in all the Bible. It features Old Testament allusions, teaching that the author himself described as advanced, stern warnings, and theologically rich prophecies. Simply reading this letter to the Hebrews at times feels like studying a master’s- or doctorate-level research book. But the purpose of the book isn’t merely academic in nature—far from it. To the person who asks, “What does any of that mean for my life practically?” chapter 13 is the answer.

As much as we have endeavored to explain what it means to pursue the rest of God awaiting us, the final chapter renders the most tangible expressions yet, beginning with the very first command: keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. More practical applications follow, including hospitality, purity, and praying for fellow believers who are imprisoned—they need our encouragement as well! Also, the freedom from the love of money mentioned in verse 5 is more than just steering clear of Scrooge-like notions of wealth; it also involves ridding ourselves of the fear of poverty.

Another way to put this book into practice is by imitating godly leaders throughout the past. Just as Jesus Christ helped them in their time of need, He will likewise help us now (v. 8). With that in mind, not all who profess to be leaders are trustworthy, and we should stay on guard against false teaching. On the other hand, we should also be willing to carry truthful teaching to those outside of our Christian circles of fellowship. We should be generous with our message and with our possessions.

We are also called to be supportive and submissive to our church leaders, and the author puts it so beautifully. We should live in such a way that being a leader in the church is an absolute joy. To do so yields benefits for the whole congregation (v. 17). The closing benediction says it all: the person of Christ gives us great encouragement so that we can do His work and give Him glory.

APPLY THE WORD
We have faith that the request of the benediction will be fulfilled: that God will equip you with everything good for doing His will. And while you are doing His will, He will be working in you. May you remember today and for the rest of your life that Jesus has secured your salvation, and that you actively participate in pressing forward in faith to the eternal rest of salvation in the presence of God. Grace be with you.