Unforgettable
From Hebrews 6 – 7 for the earth which brings in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears arms useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.
9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 for God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His Name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister
"How can I be sure I will not lose my follow-through between the altar and the door?" This is Casting Crowns' appropriately self-critical query as the lyrics in "Between the Altar and the Door" admit to how often are tears of repentance are dry before we even leave the floor. Our emotions are uneven, they know. Our resolve falters.
The author of Hebrews knows this as well. He warns sternly against it. But as soon a he has gotten the attention of his audience, present and future, he relieves some of the tension he has created. How? Does he find in his hearers a better class of humans that have come heretofore? That's not the solace of Hebrews 6:10. Does he have for those he influences a better system that will allow us to tame our flesh or stay focused on the goal of sanctification and glorification? That, also, is not the hope of Hebrews 6:10.
GOD is the Actor and Mover in that verse, elsewhere cast as the Author and Finisher of our faith. We forget. We lose focus and perspective. He does not. He is faithful to finish what He has started in us. While we can bemoan what happens to OUR reputation if we aren't as consistent to the works of faith we accomplished on our best days, Hebrews 6:10 finds better grounds for assurance than our religiously-disguised pride. God won't forget. His reputation, His glory is the driving force and direction of the universe.
Perhaps, then, letting go of our pride and somewhat pretentious angst, we can turn our eyes from morbid introspection. We can, instead, look about us for evidence that God continues to be faithful to His promises, and to the minding of His reputation, even when our thoughts and actions tend toward the haphazard.
9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 for God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His Name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister
"How can I be sure I will not lose my follow-through between the altar and the door?" This is Casting Crowns' appropriately self-critical query as the lyrics in "Between the Altar and the Door" admit to how often are tears of repentance are dry before we even leave the floor. Our emotions are uneven, they know. Our resolve falters.
The author of Hebrews knows this as well. He warns sternly against it. But as soon a he has gotten the attention of his audience, present and future, he relieves some of the tension he has created. How? Does he find in his hearers a better class of humans that have come heretofore? That's not the solace of Hebrews 6:10. Does he have for those he influences a better system that will allow us to tame our flesh or stay focused on the goal of sanctification and glorification? That, also, is not the hope of Hebrews 6:10.
GOD is the Actor and Mover in that verse, elsewhere cast as the Author and Finisher of our faith. We forget. We lose focus and perspective. He does not. He is faithful to finish what He has started in us. While we can bemoan what happens to OUR reputation if we aren't as consistent to the works of faith we accomplished on our best days, Hebrews 6:10 finds better grounds for assurance than our religiously-disguised pride. God won't forget. His reputation, His glory is the driving force and direction of the universe.
Perhaps, then, letting go of our pride and somewhat pretentious angst, we can turn our eyes from morbid introspection. We can, instead, look about us for evidence that God continues to be faithful to His promises, and to the minding of His reputation, even when our thoughts and actions tend toward the haphazard.
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