Scripture: Hebrews 10:32-39 (ESV)
"But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, 'Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.' But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls."
We watched Gladiators with our kids a few days ago. This is the show where very fit, highly skilled individuals try to prevent the contestants from scoring points by bashing them with foam covered sticks. When I was a child I used to enjoy watching Gladiators, now watching it in 2024, I admit it’s a little cringe…
Now in one of the challenges the contestants have to climb a rock wall, and the task of the gladiator is to try and make the contestant fall. In this particular episode the contestant clung to a handhold for dear life, managing to survive almost 45 seconds with the gladiator doing his best to dislodge him.
That is the same kind of tenacious clinging that the author of Hebrews is referring to here. The early Christians hung on to the truth of the gospel, despite severe persecution. They endured suffering, lost their property, and put up with humiliation all while showing deep compassion and confidence. Why? Because they knew that life is but a temporary one.
How do we compare to these early believers? Do we ‘shrink back’ when life gets tough or when we face opposition to our faith? Do we lose sight of the eternalness of our reality, when things get hard here? If the way the church has retreated over the last several decades is anything to judge by, the answer is a sad “yes”.
Friends, we need to be reminded again that Jesus is coming back soon. We need to remain steadfast in our faith, no matter what persecution or difficulties come. It is precisely because Jesus is coming back soon that we need to stay strong and not shrink back in the faith.
Because if he is coming back soon, wouldn’t you rather be caught living “in faith” when he does?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, please help us live in faith even when life gets hard and we are shunned or persecuted for our faith. Please strengthen our faith through your Holy Spirit to keep living a righteous life today. Help us to not shrink back in fear. In Jesus name, Amen.
Spiritual Challenge:
Think about a time when you were challenged about what you believe. Did you shrink back or stand firm? Consider what do you wish you could have said to yourself back then.
Faith that Endures