Hebrews 10:35-39
35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
37 “For in just a little while,
the Coming One will come and not delay.
38 And my righteous ones will live by faith.
But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
Firstly, a very happy new year to all who read and share these messages on behalf of all who contribute to them. We hope that in the few minutes it takes to read them each week that they bring you all that little bit closer to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
On Hogmanay, I was watching a re-run of the most recent Military Tattoo in Edinburgh which was spectacular as usual. It made me think back to when my father took me to this event for the first time in 1965 (I had to look that up!!). The reason I had asked him to take me was due to the James Bond Aston Martin featuring as part of the programme and I had the pleasure of watching it being driven at speed around the castle esplanade with machine guns rattling, the smoke screen coming out the back of it, the number plates rotating, and the bulletproof screen going up and down etc.
On reflection, two things stuck with me, firstly, it’s a blessing to have happy memories to look back on and we should pray for those who look back and only focus on the sad and regretful memories. The second thing that struck me from the commentary at the most recent tattoo was that the military personnel on display were not there as a show of power or threat. They were there to celebrate the peace that has resulted from past military interventions. I’m guessing there might be other views in regard to this statement, but it is a nice way to think about the tattoo and what it represents.
Some view Hogmanay as the time for reflection and New Year as the time to look forward. We can’t change all the things that have gone before but perhaps we could all do things and behave in ways that would be more pleasing in the sight of God in the days, months and years that lie before us. It is a good time to re-commit ourselves to trusting in Christ and Christ alone, to have an increased awareness of his presence and to remember the promise of what awaits us when this life comes to its conclusion.
Today’s Bible passage is a powerful encouragement to stay faithful, stay confident, and endure, even when life feels too challenging or uncertain. It speaks to believers who might be tired, discouraged, or tempted to give up—and it reminds us that our faith has value and that discouragement should never make us give up on what God has promised. God’s promises will definitely come true and if we persevere, we will receive our reward.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of faith and your promised reward. In moments when we feel weary or discouraged, remind us not to throw away our confidence in you. Strengthen our hearts to endure, to walk in obedience, and to trust in your perfect timing. Help us to live by faith. When fear tempts us to shrink back, fill us with boldness and assurance that you are near. Let us be counted among those who believe and are saved, who press on with hope and perseverance. May our lives bring you pleasure as we walk in faith, day by day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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