Don’t Give Up!
Opening Prayer
God, I come before your throne with confidence, knowing Jesus has given all to make the way.
Read Hebrews 4:12-16
[12] For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. [13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. [14] Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin. [16] Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is the Word of God compared to?The writer has steadily built his argument, and now he has his readers in a corner: they must make a decision. God’s Word in Psalm 95 comes to them with immediacy and power. This is not a lesson in history or speculation about the future. Today, they – and we – hear God’s voice, and his Word comes like a sharp sword exposing hidden thoughts and motives. Today we have to choose how to respond. The choice is to finish the journey into God’s rest, or to give up.
In the face of difficulty, temptation and weariness, how can we make the right choice? The familiar refrain of Hebrews is that we can press on if we focus on Jesus (14; 3:1). He has already finished the journey, not as some super-human figure, but as a full human being familiar with all our frailties. Jesus is talking with his Father about us, so we can be assured that our reception at God’s throne will be positive, welcoming and understanding. So ask him for help and keep going! This is our overall trajectory and our daily choice.
Apply
Reflect on the next steps of your journey. What are they? What help do you need? Bring your own needs to the Lord.
Closing prayer
Jesus, I set my eyes on You. You are the strength of my heart and I trust in You.
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