Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely and run with endurance the race set out for us, 2 keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the Cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”
As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, several thoughts challenged me. Sometimes, I hesitate to engage in human reason because it is flawed, but when it is Holy Spirit-directed, it brings life.
The number of people who are drifting toward Universalism seems to be growing. It is a philosophy and theology born out of human reason, not the Word of God. When we fail to remember that human reason is inferior to God’s wisdom, we err. When we reduce God to man’s level, we err. When we ignore the reality that God is Love but also Holy and Just, we err.
God created us with the ability to make choices. He desires our love and obedience but does not desire coerced obedience and a spirit of fear we mistakenly call love. He wants us to choose to give ourselves back to Him.
Once we know (truly know) God, we know that His desires and demands are not mere restraints but pathways to fullness. Then we stop trying to rationalize everything through the grid of human understanding and trust God’s omniscience.
Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to remember the myriads of examples (people) that inspire us. That inspiration motivates us to take action (clean up our act) and focus on Jesus. We must never forget His humanity or His deity.
In Hebrews 10:19-25, we have a powerful reminder of the power of confidence (trust). We are encouraged to draw near to God, hold unwaveringly to HOPE, and to realize that as the Body of Christ, we have a responsibility to other believers. What? Among the many responsibilities is motivating one another to engage in the work of God (demonstrate love and good works). That alone reveals the value of corporate gatherings. We encourage each other and need each other. Sadly, many gather as isolated individuals but never gather as members of Christ’s Body.
Hebrews 10:32-36 powerfully explains the power and purpose of confidence (trust). It empowers and inspires us to persevere, and perseverance leads to receiving and realizing the promises!
Ezekiel 18:20 reminds us that we will be judged, but that judgment will be individual. Hebrews 9:27 brings to light the inescapable reality that “everyone dies” and “everyone will answer to God for their choices.” It may make us feel safe to believe God cannot or will not judge sin, but the Cross says otherwise!
God’s moral justice, coupled with His incomparable sacrifice, demands that He judge sin. It breaks God’s heart to judge us. He loved us enough to provide a way out of our rebellion. Let us embrace the offering and become motivated to inspire others to do so as well.
LORD, help us to recognize flawed philosophy and manmade doctrines that rob us eternally!
