Hebrews 3-- If Indeed We Hold

Scripture: Hebrews 3

Hebrews 3 continues the argument from Hebrews 1 and 2: Jesus is greater than the iconic figures of God's revelation in times past, and thus we must reckon all the more seriously with His word.

Now, if you're like me, your attention span lasts somewhere between "literally no time has elapsed" and "the time it takes for someone to jump in and correct a misuse of the word literally". In fact, for some of us, that joke was too long to hold our attention. So, it can be tough when the author of Hebrews starts his letter by drawing out an argument for three whole chapters (and counting).


But don't give up on that unnamed author! Shis argument takes a new turn here and, as we'll see next time, transitions into a beautiful section on the Sabbath-rest of God. So what's the new wrinkle in the third chapter?

Jesus is greater than Moses; failure to obey Moses' word was costly to many, so we must persevere in obedience to Jesus' word.

Why is this relevant to you or me? Well, the author presents ancient Israel as a cautionary tale (I can't hear that phrase without thinking of Juno as 'cautionary whale'). Israel post-exodus had to travel through the desert, an experience somewhat comparable to the Hebrew audience's persecution. There were two roads before the sojourners: persevere or defect.

We know how that story goes, but what would the early Hebrew Christians choose? What will you choose?

When there are obstacles in your spiritual path-- scoffers, tragedies, mourning, temptation-- how will you respond? Will you "hold firmly to confidence and hope... to the very end" or will you allow your heart to "turn away from the living God"?

We may all give a resounding cheer for Door A, but how do we hold firmly and keep on holding? The chapter gives one awesome practical suggestion: "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today." In all honesty, I don't understand the syntax there, but I like it. In any given situation, would you refer to your time context as "Today"? Then surround yourself with encouraging people and encourage them back.

Encourage each other to persevere in hope. While we still have the breath to name the day "today".

"Today, if you hear His voice
   do not harden your hearts,
as you did in the rebellion..."