September 14 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Throughout the book of Hebrews the author encourages his readers to be wholly committed to Christ, to seek everything in Him, and to let go of their former way of thinking. Knowing the grandeur of living under the lordship, kingship and priesthood of Christ, these believers are encouraged and exhorted to seek maturity and growth in their Saviour. They need to watch out that they do not fall into the trap of being Christian in name only.

In chapter 12:12–17, the author encourages his readers to do three things to avoid falling into a religion that is heartless, mindless and careless. First of all, the Hebrews are to stand strong: “Therefore strengthen the hands that hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.” God does not want us to be droopy, discouraged or limping along. Secondly, we are to pursue harmony and holiness: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” We are to pursue harmony and holiness with passion, straining every spiritual muscle like an athlete strains every muscle to cross the finish line. Thirdly, the Hebrews are called to grow in grace and not in bitterness (15).

A summary is given in verse 25, “See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks.” (NIV) “See to it” is a phrase of direction. It’s the kind of phrase parents use when they want their children to take care of something.

The Christian life is more than a few performances with the odd cloudburst of enthusiasm. Every member of the church is to serve the Lord in earnest. Christian service calls for good listening. Listening to the Lord speak is not an optional extra but our Christian duty. God’s voice speaking to us in the gospel is to be listened to with attention and great enthusiasm. It would be plain rudeness to act otherwise. The Lord came down to His people at Sinai and the mountain shook at His presence. Today the Lord speaks to us from heaven, from Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God (12:22). See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. The Saviour is calling you to live in the new obedience and to live out of the riches of His grace.