Tuesday
Reading: Hebrews 10:26-39
SOAP: Hebrews 10:36-39
For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised. For just a little longer and he who is coming will arrive and not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I take no pleasure in him. But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Endurance is the mark of a true follower of Christ. Endurance is something we must learn and continue to practice throughout our entire life as a Christian. Endurance in the faith is how we are sanctified, how we become more and more like Christ. Without endurance we will quickly grow discouraged.
These verses about endurance serve as a transition from a large section about the supremacy of Christ to practical life application for the believer. The author is about to show us many examples of those who had great endurance. They endured because they were focused on the promise of God, even if they did not receive it in their lifetime. We are called to be among those whose faith is proven by our endurance.
Endurance is our expression of confidence that God will keep His promises. God’s ability and willingness to keep His promises is not dependent on us. If we do not endure, God will not stop keeping His promises: His promises depend on His character. Everything the author of Hebrews explained in the first ten chapters pointed to this: Jesus is superior and nothing can thwart His work.
Because of Jesus we have reason to endure. Let us continue in our faith and not waver, remaining steadfast in our hope in Christ.
Jesus, give me grace to endure in my faith. Help me see Your promises as the strength to endure rather than the reason. Increase my confidence in Your ability and willingness to keep Your promises. I want to believe You, and I want to endure well until You call me home. Amen.