Close but not there…

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. (Hebrews 5:7–6:6)

This is a tough passage that has been interpreted several ways. However, if all that the Word of God says about salvation, it can only mean that the writer is warning those that have come to a full knowledge of what Christ has done and what salvation means. However they have become dull of hearing, meaning that they have stopped their spiritual journey.

Just as only a taste does not mean swallowing what was put before them, this means that the gospel must go farther than just a taste. If it was food, the taste does nothing. As for the gospel, it also must enter or the message will not change their lives as it should — from the inside out. 

The gospel is saving faith that is actively and visibly life-changing. It begins with true repentance and continues to work in a believer’s life transforming them to be more and more like Jesus. It is powerful, not imitated or a result of human action. 

Also, this warning is aimed at those who persist in a life of sin while claiming to have faith in Christ. Such people can expect to hear Jesus’ say: “‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23)

Knowledge of the truth leaves them without excuse for their unbelief. Any who witness God’s power and receive His commands, but have not responded in faith and obedience cannot claim saving faith. Such a response actually treats Jesus with contempt. This passage says that they cannot be saved because there is no more information that can be revealed to them. They know it all and have said NO to it all, perhaps even agree that Jesus should have been crucified, but it has nothing to do with them.

These verses cannot refer to losing salvation because many Scripture passages make unmistakably clear that salvation is eternal and those who say otherwise would also have to say that one could never get it back again, whether or not their “repentance” was genuine or a mere sorrow at being caught in their sin. 

For me, obeying God is a genuine evidence of salvation and true obedience cannot be faked. Eventually the reality will be exposed. For this reason, I can only urge those who profess faith in Christ to obey what He says.

Jesus, You say Your commands are not grievous and Your burden is light. I make obedience difficult by hedging or trying to do things my own way without Your input. Each day You give me opportunities to trust You and each day You prove to me that You are worthy as my Savior and Lord. Grant discernment with those who are only tasting,  and the ability to urge them to genuine saving faith rather than fall away to mocking You in their unbelief. 

 

Rest is more than a nap…

For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’ ” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.” Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:3–11)

I understand what this means about entering a rest from my self directed work to trust God and just relax because He is in control. However, this passage prompts me to think about Him resting. 

A few weeks ago in a discussion about eternity, the thought came up of God existing where all is NOW rather than past, present and future. We live in time but for God, that definition of eternity explains a few things. 

For instance, biblical prophecies are a certainty because in the mind of God, they are now, not future. In the matter of creation, it is done not evolving. As far as the gospel is concerned, in Genesis it was a NOW event even though only God could see it that way. In time, humans had to wait hundreds of years.

So when God created the world, the entire of human history was not only at a beginning, it was eternally finished. And on the cross Jesus died in a moment of time, yet regarding the salvation of mankind He said, “It is finished” and eternally that is true. 

Another way to say it: Eternity becomes “the unity of all time” and “God’s time,”where past, present, and future converge in meaningful wholeness rather than linear succession. Some call it “the eternal now,” past and future unite in present reality, transforming His rest from stagnation into perfect engagement.

I’m thinking and writing this with only a vague understanding. I live in time. I just brushed my hair. I did that yesterday. Does it happen all the time? No, but in eternity God knows each time I brush my hair, even tomorrow and next week. 

In other words, when God started the world and made everything, it was not just the beginning but the whole of existence. We see it as time; He sees it as done and His Word gives us a glimpse — only to help us enter His rest, His understanding that His work is complete and I don’t need to fret about what I cannot see because I’m not as certain as He is about it being done. Rest is ceasing from that stress and realizing that God's will is as certain as His existence. He could rest for He knew all that He planned was fulfilled. We don’t, but we can trust Him.

Lord, I feel like I’m stepping into thin air yet held up because You are holding me. This is way out of my brain-power but at the same time verifies and even increases this incredible rest that You give. I have no idea what even the next minute holds, but I know You hold it. That means I am resting from my labors just as You rest from Yours. You are an awesome God! 

 

Resting even when working…

Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’ ” (Hebrews 3:6–11)

The opposite of rest is striving, working, trying harder, anxious in heart, anything that has no tranquility or a relaxed and joyful attitude. It can mean doing nothing, but when I am busy yet enjoying what I’m doing, I’m at rest.

That said, the rest spoken of here is the way I feel when I am trusting God and obedient to what He is telling me. It might be a nap or ceasing from work, but it is more than that on the inside. It is trusting that He is in control of every concern and all I need to do is whatever He says. It might be a simple chore as emptying the dishwasher or doing the laundry, but without resentment or wishing I could be doing something else. It might be pulling weeds and sweating but with joy in my heart.

Knowing God's ways is about realizing He wants the best for me, not stressed because I’ve rejected or am annoyed by my circumstances. It is like my mother’s words: “We must need it or we wouldn’t be getting it.” She also stated, “I’ve been through a lot; I can handle this too” yet we knew it was the Lord’s doing that she was so content, so at rest.

Those who stew over life like the Israelites in the wilderness are said to be hard-hearted, which could be translated “made stubborn.” This carries the idea that they knew what God wanted but stubbornly insisted on their own way. Many still live and even pray that way, telling God what they want without any sign of “not my will but thine be done.” However, entering into rest requires that kind of humble submission. 

A huge example is on my other computer screen. It says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (1 Corinthians 12:9) My ego does not want to be weak, yet the power of God eludes me, as does His rest, if I insist on feeling and acting in my own strength. To complicate this, I may feel the weakness but other people see the Lord’s strength. It takes faith to be at rest, not walking by sight.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14–16)

Christ shines in humility and If I am stubborn, I hide the light of Christ. If I welcome weakness, He shines and people give Him the glory. Oh how different His ways are from our ways!

Jesus, this is rest; not stressing about my weaknesses, not boasting or trying to live by any strength I might think I have, but yielding to Your will in all of life, no matter what I want, but resting in Your magnificent will, trusting You with everything, and being at peace.

What about the rest of life…

“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:12–18)

For about a week, I’ve been obsessed with thoughts of dying and leaving work here undone. I’ve been an information gatherer (trait of the spiritual gift of teaching) and that gathering has included ideas for projects such as “I’d like to paint this scene” or “make this quilt” or “use this recipe.” More than enough for one person, never mind the time left on this earth to do all that.
Satan has used this trait to push me to a fear of death, not that I don’t want to go and be  with Jesus, but that I don’t want to leave things undone, or leave a lot of unused stuff for my kids to deal with. 

This week I discovered how many souls are saved each day by the One who died to give us eternal life. I also found a box of thank you cards that told me how others have viewed my contributions as a Christian serving the Lord. I was not seeing myself that way and deeply moved by reading those cards.

Today thoughts of Jesus approaching death come to mind. Yes, He said “not my will” and sweat blood at the process, but He also said:

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. (John 17:4–5)

With the power of God as a man, Jesus could have done millions more than He did, but He did only what the Father gave Him to do. With that, He was ready to die and go home. He is my example. 

Elisabeth Elliot comes to mind. Many years ago, God put me at a table with her for lunch. Someone asked her how she managed her many responsibilities and accomplishments. She said, “I just do the next thing, and I always know what it is.” I put her name in my search engine and watched the first half of a podcast where she speaks on the fear and old age. Not exactly my topic, but it was such a blessing. (LINK to EE ) So are the words of her advice about having too much to do. Even my hubby says the same thing to me when I fret.

Whatever God wants from me is enough. While I do not see myself as those who wrote in those cards saw me, I know that trusting God with the past, today, and the future is the way to peace and to be able to say, “It is finished” or as one of my much older cousins says, “Being ready to go to the end of the line.”

Jesus, forgive me for letting my thoughts drift away from You and into the unknown territory of the rest of this life. You are so good at directing me to the “next thing” and I’ve no ability to see very far beyond it. You know both the beginning and the end and have taken me through the years so well. I can trust You with the rest of it.

 

Avoiding that subtle slow drift…

You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end. . . . Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Hebrews 1:10–2:4)

The devil’s first lie was a suggestion that God does not want the best for His people. This is an effective tool because eating from the tree of knowledge changed that relationship with God from one of total trust to one where we get the notion that we know better than God does. Therefore, we drift into trusting our own ideas of right and wrong, of how to deal with problems, of what is best for us.

While this is a spiritual error, it also defies logic. How could I possibly think that I know more or better than God? Yet this is the nature of sin — and being oblivious to the drift. This is why He tells me to pay attention, even closer attention. 

I could use my dose of ADHD as an excuse (I am very easily distracted) but God does not honor my excuse. Instead, He understands it and knows that I need to heed the ‘pay closer attention’ wording. 

I also need the signs, wonders, miracles and spiritual gifts. This past week, my faith was boosted by reading a testimony, and of finding out how many sinners enter the family of God each day, and by an amazing sermon on Romans 1:18-32, and by conversations with Christian friends. 

While good advice is offered, keeping intentional with daily devotions is most important for me, even though regularly reading and writing what God says might be forgotten by lunch. It takes more than good intentions to stop the drift.

Being active with other believers is important too. Yesterday I spoke to a man whose brother just died. I intended to encourage him, yet he encouraged me also. It was a huge block to drifting. 

I’m told to focus on the gospel and on Jesus. For me, focus is easier said than done. I have Scripture on my computer screens, bulletin board, a photo display device, and other places, very visible yet often easy to ignore.

One suggestion is to recognize triggers. For me, it is being too busy, or anxiety about something, or being over-tired. Do I need to slow down, pray more, or have a nap? Those three triggers push me towards drifting.

Besides needing reminders, my mom’s mantra often pulls me back from a drift. She often said, “We must need it or we wouldn’t be getting it.” This are words that recognize how God tests and strengthens faith. Do I trust Him in the tough stuff? Or will I believe that illogical lie? 

The word translated “drift” is about a gradual happening, not a sudden decision that God is wrong and I am right. Drift is also subtle and often happens to those who are trying to build their ego, or sense of belonging, or struggling with admitting weakness. God wants me to rely on Him, not myself, but that old nature crawls off the altar yelling “trust me, trust me” instead of rejoicing that I cannot do anything. But Jesus can, and I get no glory because the glory belongs to Him!

Jesus, fatigue hits me early some days. I’m tempted to sleep or to press on without You on this day, but realize that You use fatigue (often caused by medications) to test my trust, my belief that waiting on You for direction is always the best answer. Keep me from letting this or anything else draw me into that slow drift away from what I know to be true.

Incredible JOY!

Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands…  (Hebrews 1:7–10)

Last night I read of the salvation of a famous person. He had been a wild man whose life had been very sinful, but at retirement he was walking on the beach and God spoke to him. He said it was not an audible voice but inside him and he knew it was God. He was told to give his life to Jesus. At that point he didn’t know who Jesus was, only a swear word, but he soon found out and did what he was told.

Then his life dramatically changed. Many of his friends and associates were amazed. When he was baptized, the pastor abandoned his sermon and invited others to Jesus and do the same. Several hundred people went forward in response!

When I read this, my heart was filled with joy. Then, this morning I read the above description of Jesus that says He was anointed with the oil of gladness beyond His companions. Beyond anything I could experience at the salvation of one person, or several hundred people, Jesus experiences daily the joy of gladness to see the wonder of a changed life. 

Curious, I asked AI how many people give their lives to Jesus Christ each day. From a quick research, I was told, “Estimates of people coming to Christ or joining the global Christian faith each day range from 80,000 to 174,000, depending on the source and how conversion or growth is measured.” Even if those numbers are half right, this tells me that the Jesus I love is a joyful person! 

Not only that, He is busy in this dark world. Numbers like that are seldom if ever on the daily news, but a huge population is named in God’s book of life. Eternity will not be a few but billions of souls in the family of God.

Jesus, this is a great way to begin a new day, a new month, and a sunny Sunday morning. I had a rough week, emotionally draining and often crying out to You so I could get through it. You turn my heart on the positive, on the work You are doing in the hearts of thousands — and in just one day. Thank You for allowing me to think of that power and glory instead of the messes the media seems to prefer. You are truly an amazing Savior!

 

What about the rebels in the church?

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 
For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. (Titus 1:7–16)

Yesterday’s description of church leaders put an emphasis on knowing the Word of God and being kind and gentle, not argumentative. This passage recognizes that not all people respond to kindness. They take advantage of it, even attend services for no other reason than to cause trouble. 

Many relocations gave us experience in all sorts of churches, some glorified the Lord and were filled with godly people who served Him and one another. However, that was not always the case. Pastors and leaders must deal with disobedient believers as well as those who say they know God but their way of life is a mockery.

Rather than give examples of such rebels, I’m thinking how important to pray for leaders. The rebels will be critical and even tell lies about them. Rather than listen to such things, far better to support those who need to rebuke those who contradict godly living by their totally selfish and even evil actions. Obeying this discipline often gets more flack than the people being rebuked because some think leaders are supposed to be kind and loving, not negative in any way, or that they are sinners too and have no right to judge.

Jesus tossed the tables of money-changers and charged them with turning the house of God into a den of thieves. He rebuked the Pharisees for their twisted teaching. How much more to speak against hypocrisy, evil, disobedient, liars and lazy people who do nothing but cause trouble in the church?

Being kind and nice to those who dishonor God and ignore His Word gives them a green light. However, like Jesus who died for sinners, godly people must give up what seems more comfortable and “nice” if God asks us to turn that light bright red. It may not stop them but even if they “run through it” the Lawgiver on His throne will ultimately deal with such rebellion.

Lord, today I feel sad. There is so much lawlessness in the world and so much disapproval of those who expose it or stand against it. Sometimes those who do are accused of being the bad guys. I am not without hope. Your Word says, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1–4) I might not be in a position to rebuke, but You urge me to pray. Only You know who might turn from sin because of those who refuse to rubber-stamp evil.