Focus
Close your eyes and clear your mind. Remove yourself from distractions. Meditate for a few moments before reading further.
Read
Hebrews 10:32-39 (NRSV)
32 But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. 35 Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. 36 For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet
“in a very little while,
the one who is coming will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one will live by faith.
My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.”
39 But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.
Reflect
There is a great deal of conflict occurring within our country, and even within our own denomination. Much of this conflict has to do with people who feel they have been abused and persecuted: those among ethnic, racial, and sexual orientation minorities, for example. Many of us do not recognize the abuse and persecution because it has not been part of our life story, but plenty of others do not want to recognize it. They are happy with the status quo, which allows them to believe that things are as they should be in our world.
I am here to tell you that things ARE NOT as they should be. When were you last publicly exposed to abuse and/or persecution for who you are or what you believe? When have you stood with someone who was being abused or persecuted? Why did you stand with them?
As I understand these verses in Hebrews, once we have been “enlightened,” we should expect to suffer and struggle as we partner with those who are already facing such issues. We are to have compassion, confidence, and endurance as we seek to do the will of God. I challenge you truly to seek God’s will for our hurting world and for our church that we might be God’s light in these times of darkness.
Pray
God, give us the courage, confidence, compassion, and endurance to work for the acceptance of all people, knowing that our reward is in your promise. Amen.
