Thursday, December 30
Read Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 9:26-28; Hebrews 10:25, 36-38; and Hebrews 12:25-28. What point is Paul stressing here, particularly regarding time?
There is a very important element that the apostle emphasizes that adds urgency to his exhortation: the readers are living in the very “last days” (Hebrews 1:2) and the promises are about to be fulfilled (Hebrews 10:36-38). It is interesting, as we will see, that throughout the document Paul compares his audience with the desert generation that stood right before the border of Canaan, ready to enter into the Promised Land. He reminds them, “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37). And then he encourages them: “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:39). This last exhortation reminded the readers, and us, about the dangers that the people of God have historically experienced right before the fulfillment of the promises of God.
The book of Numbers talks about this very thing. The biblical record says that two times, right before entering the Promised Land, Israel suffered important defeats. The first time, recorded in Numbers 13 and 14, tells us about the doubts that several leaders spread through the congregation and caused the faith of Israel to fail. As a result, the congregation decided to appoint a new leader and return to Egypt, just at the moment when they were about to enter Canaan.
The second time, the Israelites got entangled with sensuality and false worship in Baal Peor (Numbers 24, 25). While Balaam was not able to bring a curse upon the Israelites, Satan used sexual temptations to lead Israel in false worship and sin, and to bring God’s displeasure upon them.
Paul warns the readers of Hebrews against both dangers. First, he exhorts them to hold fast to the confession of their faith and to fix their eyes upon Jesus (Hebrews 4:14, 10:23, 12:1-4). Second, he exhorts them against immorality and covetousness (Hebrews 13:4-6). Finally, he exhorts them to observe and obey their leaders (Hebrews 13:7, 17).
Considering our understanding of the state of the dead — and that as soon as we close our eyes in death, the next thing we know is the Second Coming — why can we say that all people have lived in the “last days”?
Friday, December 31
Further Thought: David A. deSilva explains clearly why the early Christians suffered persecution: “Christians adopted a lifestyle that … would have been considered antisocial and even subversive. Loyalty to the gods, expressed in pious attendance at sacrifices and the like, was viewed as a symbol for loyalty to the state, authorities, friends, and family. Worship of the deities was something of a symbol for one’s dedication to the relationships that kept society stable and prosperous. By abstaining from the former, Christians (like the Jews) were regarded with suspicion as potential violators of the laws and [as] subversive elements within the empire.” — Perseverance in Gratitude (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2000), p. 12.)
“For the disheartened there is a sure remedy — faith, prayer, work. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day. Are you tempted to give way to feelings of anxious foreboding or utter despondency? In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He knows your need. He has all power. His infinite love and compassion never weary. Fear not that He will fail of fulfilling His promise. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant He has made with those who love Him. And He will bestow upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands. The apostle Paul has testified: ‘He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. … Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.’ 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10.” — Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, pp. 164, 165.
Discussion Questions:
1. Is it possible to be “different” because of our Christian commitment, and yet not to be accused of “separation” from and disregard for others? If yes, how?
2. The word “exhortation” in the Bible can refer either to reproof or to encouragement. What care should we take in reproving a person who is discouraged?
3. What similarities do you find between the experience of the readers of Hebrews and that of the Laodicea church of Revelation 3:14-22? In what ways is our experience today, two thousand years later, similar to theirs, and what can we learn from the similarities?
