The Faithfulness of God's Promises
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Heb. 10:22-23)
Heb. 10:16-24; II Chr. 20:20; Ps. 73:28; Ps. 145:18; Rom. 4:20-21; Heb. 11:6; I John 3:19, 4:13, 5:10-13
What Is God Saying?
Although we cannot say with certainty who wrote this great letter or to whom it was sent, we assume that it was intended for Jewish Christians in the diaspora. It speaks of a common need, shared suffering, and widespread opposition. Separated from their roots and lacking close support from other Christians, it would be natural to think about the religious system of their former traditions, laws and practices. The main message of Hebrews is to say don't turn back; look ahead to proven love. Lay hold on blessed assurance. Trust in the faithfulness of God. The old way is bondage. The new way is freedom.
How Does This Apply To Us?
Today there is freedom from the legalism of Old Testament times. We are not required to climb a ladder of good works to gain God's approval. Jesus has done all that for us for all time (Rom. 8:1-4). Let go of everything else. Draw near with full assurance. Hold on with unwavering hope until, in His time, and for His glory, our risen Lord draws back the curtain.
Pray With Me
Lord of all time and circumstance, mighty God, everlasting Father, my life rests upon one foundation, ‘He who promised is faithful.’ Because You are faithful in keeping the promises You make, I have faith with full assurance. I do not wait tremulously on the periphery of life. I draw near to the very center of life as You have planned and promised. Because You are faithful in keeping the promises You make, I can hold fast to the confession of my hope without wavering. I glory in the Cross. I lift it as a standard in the battles I wage against evil. I draw strength from its example for there is love that suffers, yet triumphs. As a seaside rock that withstands the forces of swelling tides and relentless waves, I hold fast to an imperishable hope through all the changes and chances of life. Obstacles become stepping stones. Disappointments become guideposts to glory and joy. Resistance is a wind that gives lift to wings of faith. Fleeting happiness becomes an enduring joy. Faltering indecisi0n becomes confident resolve. I want to draw near with a true heart. I want to hold fast the confession of great hope.
When I am too weak to stand or powerless to move; when I am too bewildered to decide or too fearful to try; when I am too discouraged to care and think I cannot draw near or hold fast, in your strong Love and pardoning grace, please draw me near and hold me fast.
For the sake of Him who prayed that His glory might be shared with us and that His joy might be fulfilled in us. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
Begin and end today's prayer with today's key verse. It is the key to unlock all the treasures of God. It is the door that, being opened, floods our souls with light. It is the foundation upon which we stand secure, while the world comes tumbling down in a mass of chaotic confusion.
