This Week's Scriptures & Reflection: Hebrews 6:9-15; 10:23
One of the most esteemed values between any two individuals in a mutual relationship is fidelity! It possesses the power to relieve self-doubt when difficult circumstances arise. It also provides comfort when one feels rejected and abandoned by others. Knowing that an individual is faithful and committed to you simply drives you to demonstrate your faithfulness to them on a higher level.
Having departed their relationship with legalistic Judaism for a new relationship with Jesus Christ through the New Covenant, the Jewish Christian audience of the book of Hebrews had grown discouraged due to the persecution they suffered as a result of their conversion. In response, the Hebrew writer encourages them to “...hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (cf. Hebrews 10:23). Furthermore, he reminds them that “...God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints” (cf. Hebrews 6:10).
The Hebrew writer reminded the Jewish Christians of God’s unwavering faithfulness! He wanted them to know that their service in ministering to the other saints was not in vain, that God was not unjust, or unfair, to neglect all that they had done in service to His people in spite of their own persecution. The Hebrew writer points to Abraham as an example, to whom God promised saying, “I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply You”. After waiting patiently, Abraham indeed received the fulfillment of God’s promise to him through the miraculous birth of his son Isaac in both his old age and in the old and barren state of his wife Sarah (cf. Hebrews 6:13-15).
We must settle in our minds that God is intrinsically faithful, first and foremost to His Word and purposes, and secondly to His people. He simply has no capacity to be unfaithful! Therefore, we can be assured that any Word of His concerning His people will be fulfilled! Moreover, God is El Roi, or “the God who sees”! He looks upon pure and sincere work done in His name with pleasure! He will neither forget nor neglect the labor we have done in His name! Therefore, continue to be steadfast, immovable, and abounding always in the work of the Lord with the assurance that your work in Him not in vain (I Corinthians 15:58)!