As some of you may know, I am daily reading through Scripture in its order. Today’s devotion included Hebrews 10:36-39. I have added emphasis to the following Scripture passages by bold italics to emphasize our need of endurance.
“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE,
HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.
BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH;
AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:36-39.
FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE,
HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.
BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH;
AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:36-39.
When we consider endurance, we tend to think of a race, a long race, maybe as long as a marathon. “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1.
There may some of you who are long-distance runners. You may not be as scared or apprehensive of the word “endurance” as some of the rest of us.
But, we cannot ignore the call for endurance. There are other Scripture passages that likewise call for endurance.
“You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” Matthew 10:22.
“But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” Matthew 24:13.
“By your endurance you will gain your lives.” Luke 21:19.
We may not like the call for endurance. But, we clearly need endurance. So, how do we get such endurance?
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4.
The testing of our faith produces endurance. God provides for situations that test our faith. We must view such trials as opportunities to gain endurance. These trials should not cause us to panic and question God’s love for us. But rather, we should continue to trust God knowing that He is in total control and will work in us the faith that can stand the testing by fire.
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,” I Peter 1:6-8.
In conclusion, Hebrews 12:1-2 puts it all together for us: “… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith …” How do we run with endurance? We fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Thank you.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 