Verse of the Day for Sunday, September 24, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Sunday, September 24, 2023

Hebrews 10:35-36

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Context
    To fully understand these verses, it's essential to consider the broader context in which they are situated. The book of Hebrews is aimed at encouraging Jewish Christians who were undergoing persecution and were contemplating abandoning their Christian faith to return to Judaism. The author spends significant portions of the text demonstrating the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament hopes.

Do Not Throw Away Your Confidence
    The phrase "So do not throw away your confidence" immediately speaks to the temptation to abandon one's faith under trying circumstances. Confidence here refers to our assurance and boldness in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This confidence is more than mere optimism; it's rooted in the historical and spiritual realities testified to in Scripture, culminating in the person and work of Jesus. The author urges the reader to hold onto this deep-seated conviction.

It Will Be Richly Rewarded
    The author doesn't suggest that holding onto your confidence will be easy or without sacrifice, but they do promise a "rich reward." This is in line with numerous biblical themes that point towards the eternal rewards that outweigh earthly sufferings (e.g., Romans 8:18).

You Need to Persevere
    The necessity for perseverance is emphasized as a condition for receiving the promise. Here, perseverance is not merely passive endurance but active maintenance of our faith and obedience to God's will, even when it's challenging. The Greek term used for "perseverance" ('hypomone') conveys a sense of patiently enduring and waiting. It implies maintaining our obligations and duties, particularly our commitment to Christ, while enduring hardships.

Done the Will of God
    The idea of doing the "will of God" is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. In the immediate context of Hebrews, it involves maintaining one’s faith in Christ and fidelity to Him, regardless of challenges. The ‘will of God’ is not a secret blueprint for each life, but a general call to a life of holiness, service, and worship, centered on the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.

You Will Receive What He Has Promised
    This statement echoes numerous promises throughout Scripture where God pledges rewards to those who are faithful. What has been promised ranges from spiritual peace and resilience in this life to eternal life in the world to come.

Application
    These verses offer immense practical and spiritual value. They encourage us to hold fast to our faith and the hope we have in Jesus, even when faced with adversity. By doing so, not only do we honor God, but we also become eligible for the rewards He has promised.

In a world filled with uncertainty and difficulty, these verses serve as a timely reminder that our ultimate hope lies beyond this current reality and is firmly anchored in Christ and His promises.