READ Hebrews
5:11 – 6:20
In the very first few verses of today’s passage the writer makes
a bold and potentially offending statement to the readers. He calls them ‘dull
of hearing’ and immature or … babies. He reminds them that the only reason
these things are hard for them to understand is because they are not growing up
spiritually. He reminds them they need to practice in order to grow to
spiritual maturity. As offensive as this might be, it is also a reason for hope
and encouragement. For those of us who seem ‘stuck’ in the baby-Christian
phase, or who have a hard time catching on to some of the harder doctrines or
even hearing the voice of God, the answer is so simple: Practice!
By the time we get to chapter 6 though, if we thought that last
part was bold and offensive, this is much bolder and much, much more scary.
First he tells them not to go back to doing those works again and having to
repent of it again! Don’t go back there! That’s old news… it’s time to grow up
and move on. For those who consider themselves mature in the Lord, the writer
of Hebrews gives us a little checklist:
·
Grow in faith toward God, (Hmmm… not too hard.)
·
Baptisms, (okay… this one is a little more difficult)
·
Laying on of hands, (maybe…maybe in the right group at
the right time for the right thing… maybe)
·
Resurrection of the dead, (yeah, many know this is
coming, but how many think about it?)
·
And teaching of eternal judgment or heaven and hell.
He doesn’t hold back, does he?
But that’s not even the toughest he gets. He says clearly that
those who have tasted the heavenly gift of salvation, and received the Holy
Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of God’s word and experienced His power
but then leave the faith (or fall away) are at risk of forever being separated
from God. This is why Chapter 2 was so important. Because the readers would
have heard the whole book read to them in one sitting because it was a letter,
they would still have fresh in their minds the reminder that Jesus is God. They
would recall having their memories jogged about the fact that although God
saved the Israelites from Egypt he never let them enter His rest because they
heard His voice and hardened their hearts. He is the same yesterday, today and
forever. When Jesus judges us, it will
be the same way God judged the Israelites. This is not an easy teaching and one
that is often overlooked, or watered down.
The writer realizes his words are tough. So in verse 9 he
reminds them that although this is the truth, it is also true that God is not
unjust and will take all things into consideration. He is a God who longs for
relationship so He will extend patience and grace and mercy.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
Take a few minutes and ask the Holy Spirit to speak
to you regarding your maturity level. Ask Him what 2 or 3 things He wants you
to do to grow to the next level of maturity. Make a commitment to grow and
become spiritually mature.
2.
Spend a few minutes thinking about whether or not
your attitude toward sin (especially little or private sins) and disobedience
is drawing you closer to God, or causing you to slowly slip away. Ask God to
speak to you about lies you may have believed about never being able to fall
away from the Lord, and to reveal truth to your heart. Ask Him to give you a
burning passion to draw closer and closer to the Lord for every day that you
live.
3.
Take several minutes to thank the Lord for this
chapter of warning and challenge. Thank Him for His patience, His mercy and His
grace. Thank Him for giving you another day to choose Him and grow in maturity.
