The invitation for us all remains. Leave the camp. That is what we have focused on these last few days. It is what the author has been writing about the whole of the letter to these Jewish Christian community. Linking the Day of Atonement with Christ’s death on the cross in that the High Priest took what remained of the animal sacrifice outside the camp and Jesus was crucified outside the city gates of Jerusalem.
“Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13 v 13-14)
As followers of Jesus we accept His invitation to leave the camp of sin.
Yesterday we looked at how their ancestors had rejected God in the camp of Israel and so He manifested His presence outside. Now in Jesus God had again been rejected in the camp of Judaism and so laid His life down for the world outside that camp.
As followers of Jesus we accept His invitation to leave the camp of safety.
These were insular Jewish Christians who were keeping the gospel to themselves. They were living too much in the Jewishness of their Christianity for they were in fear of the persecution that was before them. They were ignoring God’s commission and the call to these reticent believers is to become courageous. If they follow Christ they must be prepared for hardships. One day we will look back on our life and have regrets. But the greatest regret will be when we remember the idea that was never tried, the potential that was never fulfilled because what was chosen was the comfort of safety rather than having a go at something new. Miracles of provision happen outside the camp of safety. No record exists of anyone ever walking on water without a storm, wind and a whole lot of risk. The territory between the boat and Jesus is miracle territory. To walk in that area you must leave trusting what others hold on to and trust Him whom you are following.
Jesus is not inside the camp of sin and safety.
As a follower you will leave what was not good and what made you feel secure behind.
That is the call.
Missions Paul 