As a church, we have been studying the robust book of Hebrews. If you’ve listened to any of the sermons, you will have noticed that Hebrews comes with a ton of encouragement. But at the same time, it also has many warnings. Consider Hebrews 3:12:
“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.”
Over the years, I have found that this “turning away from God” isn’t always sudden. In my experience of following Jesus (for the better part of my life) I have found that it certainly CAN BE sudden. It can be something devastating to our life of faith, like adultery or addiction.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” — Psalm 46:10-11
Do you realize that it has been over two years since COVID entered our reality? Our last regular church service (before we temporarily closed) was March 8, 2020. Undeniably, the two years since then have been unlike anything I’ve ever known.
“…set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV84)
Not long ago, I taught about the reality of heaven. It reminded me how amazing heaven will be compared to this earth. We have such a blessing waiting for us. This truth hit home for me during a particularly powerful experience a few years ago.
One of the more frustrating things for me in life is not being able to fall asleep. I don’t often have trouble with this, but I have gone through spells of it. Sometimes, it happens when I first get in bed. Other times, it’s when I wake up in the middle of the night (and can’t fall back to sleep). Instead of finding rest, my mind races, thinking about all there is to worry about in life.
In the still of the night, it’s so easy to reflect on those things that scare us or give us anxiety. Or, perhaps we go through items on the to-do list that we missed that day. Health, relationships, finances, parenting, news of war, what does the future hold? Admittedly, it can all feel paralyzing.
Without a doubt, I am convinced that Jesus holds me. This truth permeates the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation). Here’s a snippet of verses:
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
“Though they stumble, they never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” — Psalm 37:24
“He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” — Colossians 1:17
Every once in a while, I go through all the “stuff” in my house. I take inventory of things that are useful and decide what things are just taking up space. Then, I’ll put anything useless into a big pile and take it out to the trash. If we’re honest with ourselves, we all have “stuff” we need to take inventory of, don’t we? We need to know what’s useful and what’s not.
I’m fascinated by the story about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40). An angel directed Philip to a certain road and chariot (that was passing by). One of the Ethiopian Queen’s court officials was in the chariot. He had returned from worship in Jerusalem. While he rode, he read the scroll of Isaiah out loud.
Philip ran to him and asked, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” The official replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” He invited Philip to sit with him. Philip then explained the Good News of Jesus Christ. The official saw some water and wanted to get baptized. As soon as Philip baptized him, the Bible tells us, “the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.”
God answers prayers. Certainly, we’ve all experienced Him answering specific prayers in the past. In faith, we eagerly wait for unanswered prayers in the present. This verse helps me; the Bible says that God not only hears our prayers but actually listens to them.
“But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer.” — Psalm 66:19 (NLT)
“But all who listen to me will live in peace untroubled by fear of harm.” — Proverbs 1:33
There is a way to live that leads to harm, fear and restlessness, isn’t there? Most of the time, it’s the result of us listening to ourselves, to lies, or to negative influences. We need to ask ourselves, “Who am I listening to?” when we get a pit in our stomachs and a tinge of fear rattling our emotions.
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” — Daniel 3:16-18
You remember the scene? Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar made a statue 90 feet high. Then, he gathered all of his officials (including these three, faithful men). He told everyone to bow down and worship his golden image. In fact, it was a capital crime not to worship the idol. And famously, these men did not. Undeniably, their response to the king was remarkable for three reasons.
Three Remarkable Reasons
First of all, they didn’t feel a need to justify themselves to the king. (“…we have no need to answer you in this matter.”)
Secondly, they knew God could save them. They just didn’t know if God would save them. What fantastic faith!
Thirdly, (and maybe the most remarkable statement of all from these men) “But if not.” Essentially, even if God doesn’t save us, we will still not bow down and worship your idol.
Think about that. Those three men submitted their plans to God’s plan. Even if God’s plan was for them to suffer a horrific death by immolation (being burned alive).
What a challenge for us. How much of my obedience to God is linked to Him following my plans for my life? By contrast, those three men obeyed God, without knowing if He was going to save them. “But if not.” May we all obey God — not because He follows our plans, but because of who He is!
