The author begins to pastorally lead this community of believers to the great hall of faith and then finally to the author and ‘perfecter’ of this faith, Jesus Christ, the One who concludes an amazing line-up of faith life-stories.
It is clear some of the community have already left, they have deserted this faith and others are wondering if they should follow. We all know people who have done so and we perhaps know some who are on the edge. What do we say to them? How can we help them not to abandon ship?
“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.” (Hebrews 10 v 32-34)
There are times in all our lives when to come aside is essential. To turn back is better than to go ahead because we need to rest and reassess the path that we have taken. The decision needs a lot of wisdom and often not to be taken in isolation. However, there are also times when we need to press on because looking back on the story of our life we see how far we have come but also how God has helped us endure. These Scriptures and others have become important for us:-
Isaiah 41: 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 121: I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
The Pastor appeals to the believers to look back on what they have endured. To walk away now would be a waste of how far you have come and all God has done to enable you to stand firm.
- You went through a great conflict.
- You were publicly exposed – the world looked on as you suffered.
- You aligned yourself with those who were also publicly exposed.
- You put yourselves at risk by actively involved with those imprisoned.
- You have been robbed of your possessions and the security they bring.
We can make our own list up. We may not have gone through persecution but we have had to endure various difficult seasons. So whatever you are facing today that is calling you to back down or walk away is not as overwhelming as we might think.
We don’t have to abandon our faith, walk away from church and distance ourselves from God. We don’t have to make that choice. Remember how you have endured in the past and so today you can endure again. When it was tough you didn’t give up instead you rose to the challenge. You cheered others on to do what you were doing yourself, enduring.
This is how we help others to stand firm and how we help ourselves.
Missions Paul 