Hebrews 10-11

Faith is trusting in the blood of Jesus sacrificed once for all time, for all people. We often read Hebrews 11 in wonder. We should read Hebrews 11 with a gentle nod of confidence knowing that the moments and days will come when we will exercise the same kind of faith in the face of persecution.

The moments and days are now.

A popular theme of Christian books right now is about reclaiming Christianity. Books like Unchristian and Jesus Wants to Save Christians Too reveal the lackadaisical faith so prevalent in our “Christian” communities. It seems that we’ve gotten so good at fitting in with the world that is hard for the world to tell us apart.

This should not be.

What God did in Jesus is forever final. Through Christ God gives us full assurance of the real life to come when the kingdom of God is fully come.

So, what would it take to get your name in the 2010 version of Hebrews 11? Would it be living debt free? Would it be serving the community, the hungry, your neighbors as much as you serve yourself? Would it be giving away at least ten percent? Would it be actually talking about Jesus to people in your world?

The last time I checked no one showed up at church with flesh and blood wounds as the result of persecution like those listed in Hebrews 11. I haven’t yet attended the funeral of someone killed for their faith. But maybe our wounds run deeper. Are we dead in other kinds of ways? What is holding you back from fully giving yourself to God? Can you you release that thing? Can you get help for that addiction? Can you trust a friend to share your burden?

As you live in full confidence in the mercy of God expressed through Jesus Christ, may you fully give yourself to the will of God.



Nathan Tillotson
May 10