Heralds Digest

"And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise." (Hebrews 6:15 NKJV) Giving up is easy to be excused in our fast-paced world. Unlike Abraham, time is more significant to many believers than the character and charisma of God. Yet, God's word and promises are independent of time, infallible in space, and immutable with circumstances. Therefore, the fulfillment of God's promises only depend on the endurance of the potential receivers of the promise. It is more profitable to excuse time, and wait upon God rather than men.

"That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Hebrews 6:12 NKJV) Unless every man's eyes are set on the undoubted fulfillment of the promises at the end of his race, it is almost certain he would be running for something else, if at all he remains in the race. Heaven is the least of the promises to the saints of God; but every saint of God is called and empowered to run a special race toward a specific target in every area of life. Although God's grace is always sufficient for every runner in the race, it is inadequate for anyone who chose to embark on another fellow's race. In order to avoid sluggishness and frustration, special grace for specific race needs faith and patience. Without absolute reliance on the influence of the Spirit of God, life's promises are often forfeited at the threshold of their fulfillments.

"But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:14 NKJV) Irrespective of the sphere of consideration, from physical, emotional, economical to spiritual, challenge in any of these spheres is not necessarily an evidence of under-development. And an adept attitude to challenges is indicative of the distinctive path to maturity. If it is widely acknowledged that uneasy heads wear the crown, it is instructive that progress in life must come with pain. Where challenges of life may pose as problems to narrow-minded people, they actually present opportunities to progressive minds. The discerning of good from apparent evil experiences appears uncomplicated with progressive sense.

"[Jesus]...though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered." (Hebrews 5:8 NKJV) Son-ship is mostly a reserved status before any father by the consistent forthrightness of a child, rather than through a birthright claim. Being the root of all sins, disobedience has robbed all men from their expected relationship with the heavenly Father. However, without any loss of His son-ship status, Jesus offered to learn obedience in order to demonstrate to all the value of son-ship. While birthright claim is unprotected, son-ship based on total obedience to the will of the Father is the only protected status.

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV) As holy as the hill of the Lord and as descent in righteousness as the deeds of every expected ascent to His presence, there is always room for mercy. If the connection between heaven and earth is feasible only by merit, who can retain access to the throne of God. Even after redemption and beside mercy, merit withdraws the boldness to seek the Lord in times of weakness and spiritual lethargy. However, weaknesses are made strong with gracious ascent for those who wait upon the Lord.

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV) Just as it was with the passage of the children of Israel, the short way from Egypt land to Canaan's rest is straight-forward. However, the scripture reveals that God preferred the wilderness experience in order to discover the thoughts and intents of the redeemed's hearts, as they travelled from slavery to freedom. Apparently, safety is not determined by the smoothness (or shortness) of the path a pilgrim is made to walk; safety is rather measured by the smoothness of the heart, as God's word walks the pilgrim. Therefore, a safe way is not necessarily a short or smooth way; but it is a consistent trust in the sufficiency of God's word for daily living.

"There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His." (Hebrews 4:9-10 NKJV) Whichever form it appears, rest is sweet, especially after a rigorous toiling experience. A break-even point after significant business investments; success in an examination after several writing attempts; and a visa lottery win to travel abroad after series denials at the embassy, are few examples of rest that deserve celebration. However, all of the rests that this world can offer are incomparable to the final and heavenly rest for the people of God. Even with gracious contentment, all earthly rests are transient. The best offer is the purchase of an acceptable insurance policy for eternal rest , fully paid by the Lord Jesus Christ.