With two full chapters expounding on the superiority of Christ to
all else, the writer of Hebrews issues another warning in verses
7-18 referring to the Exodus generation that put
God to the test with their unbelief. In Exodus
17 the Israelites have thrice grumbled and whined about physical
provision. They have witnessed and experienced the miraculous works
of the Lord: deliverance from slavery and the plagues, the parting of
the Red Sea to ensure their escape, and manna from heaven and water
from a rock in the depths of a desert. Yet again we find them facing
hardship without trusting in that same Lord who repeatedly provided
in impossibly situations.
It's easy to be critical of this Exodus generation, but the writer of Hebrews believes their negative example of faith a useful analogy for us today. Notice the cycle of faith and despair?: enthusiastic beginning, grumbling, and then the sweet blessing of the Lord's provision. This is the challenge before present day Christians. The church is an eclectic group of people. At any given moment a variety of people fill the pews facing a variety of different trials, in a variety of different places in their faith journey.
There are those who are young in a faith filled with excitement and zeal for the Lord. No mountain appears insurmountable at this point. Then, there are those who attend church and join Bible studies for the companionship. But when things get difficult, they grumble and complain because their heart was truly never in it to begin with. There are also those whose initial faith provided and incredible jump start in the beginning, but find themselves in need of regular encouragement. Let the Body of Christ be that encouragement for those who need it. The real warning of this passage of Hebrews is whether or not we will continue to trust in Jesus or will allow ourselves to remain content in drifting as our initial belief fades into a distant memory collecting cobwebs while our hope suffocates and dissolves. This warning is for you. This warning is for me. Persevere.
It's easy to be critical of this Exodus generation, but the writer of Hebrews believes their negative example of faith a useful analogy for us today. Notice the cycle of faith and despair?: enthusiastic beginning, grumbling, and then the sweet blessing of the Lord's provision. This is the challenge before present day Christians. The church is an eclectic group of people. At any given moment a variety of people fill the pews facing a variety of different trials, in a variety of different places in their faith journey.
There are those who are young in a faith filled with excitement and zeal for the Lord. No mountain appears insurmountable at this point. Then, there are those who attend church and join Bible studies for the companionship. But when things get difficult, they grumble and complain because their heart was truly never in it to begin with. There are also those whose initial faith provided and incredible jump start in the beginning, but find themselves in need of regular encouragement. Let the Body of Christ be that encouragement for those who need it. The real warning of this passage of Hebrews is whether or not we will continue to trust in Jesus or will allow ourselves to remain content in drifting as our initial belief fades into a distant memory collecting cobwebs while our hope suffocates and dissolves. This warning is for you. This warning is for me. Persevere.
If you are experiencing life in the
wilderness, a time of testing, then heed the warning of this pattern
of faith. Trust God will provide. Don't demand signs of his presence
and care. This kind of faith is rooted more in emotional experience
than the character of our Lord. Whether life is good or bad, worship
Him. In health or in sickness, worship Him. In plenty or in need,
worship Him. Daily trust Him. Let the sovereignty of God be the
peaceful pillow in which you rest your head. He knows your need
before you ask. Walk through your trial with the restful trust that
"He who began a good work will be faithful to complete it."
Keep your eyes on Him and the companionship of the Lord will be sweet
and wonderful...and when the time is right, you will enter his rest.
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