Without Wavering

Hebrews 10:19-25
A Call to Persevere
 
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2010%3A19-25&version=NRSVUE
 
The letter to the Hebrews was written for the Jewish Christians who were facing social pressure from local Jewish communities to return to their previous practices. They also faced religious persecution from Roman authorities who were suspicious of any private meetings, so some new Christians were “neglecting to meet together” (v.25) out of fear of persecution. 
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Although anonymous, the writer of Hebrews tries to encourage them to persevere through the pressure and persecution. “Hold fast” (v.23) to Christ, for he is faithful. “We have confidence” (v.19) in his new and living way that he opened for us (v.20), so “let us approach” it (v.22). In their previous practice, they could not approach the sanctuary, the temple, as it was reserved for the holiest of holies. Now, Christ has made it possible for them to come to the sanctuary, the gathering place, with a true heart, “sprinkled clean” and “bodies washed” (v.22). Their sins had been atoned by their baptism and belief in Jesus.

Under pressure and persecution, baptism and belief may not seem enough to overcome their legitimate fear. They may be tempted to lay low and not call attention to themselves. They neglected gathering with other Christians to avoid any type of provocation.  

However, the Spirit (the writer behind the anonymous writer) invites us to think of community in a different way. Gathering together in community may make us more visible, but it will also help us not waver. Left alone, we tend to waver in our beliefs and practices. In community, we receive the encouragement to hold fast “without wavering” (v.23).

We may not face the same persecution for our faith today as addressed in this letter to the Hebrews, but our current political climate in the US is consumed with persecution. Spewing insults, demonizing people who hold different beliefs, pressuring or persuading people to change their values just to get a vote are all common practices these days, which cause many of us to waver. The vitriol unleashed in a comments section alone can cause the most devout person to waver and withdraw.

So, how do we hold fast to Christ “without wavering?” When we want to neglect gathering with others, even other Christians, who provoke and stir up anger within us, what can we do to prevent wavering in our faith? Find a community in which we can approach with our true heart. Instead of withdrawing, draw close, to the ones who will encourage us and provoke us “to love and good deeds” (v.24). This is the kind of community where we find Jesus. We will see him and feel him through the love and encouragement shared, and this is what will help us keep a firm grip “without wavering.”
 
Reflection Questions:
What community of people helps you to persevere and keep a firm grip on Christ?
When was love and encouragement shared with you to keep you from wavering?
If you are in need of a loving and encouraging community, where can you find one? It could be just two or three people, “for where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20).
 
Pray:
Pray for someone in your community who needs love and encouragement.
 
Action:
Send them an encouraging card, text, or email, or do a random act of kindness for a stranger not in your community. 
 
*New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.