10 God isn’t unjust so that he forgets your efforts and the love you have shown for his name’s sake when you served and continue to serve God’s holy people. 11 But we desperately want each of you to show the same effort to make your hope sure until the end. 12 This is so you won’t be lazy but follow the example of the ones who inherit the promises through faith and patience. 13 When God gave Abraham his promise, he swore by himself since he couldn’t swear by anyone greater. 14 He said, I will certainly bless you and multiply your descendants.[a] 15 So Abraham obtained the promise by showing patience. 16 People pledge by something greater than themselves. A solemn pledge guarantees what they say and shuts down any argument. 17 When God wanted to further demonstrate to the heirs of the promise that his purpose doesn’t change, he guaranteed it with a solemn pledge. 18 So these are two things that don’t change, because it’s impossible for God to lie. He did this so that we, who have taken refuge in him, can be encouraged to grasp the hope that is lying in front of us. 19 This hope, which is a safe and secure anchor for our whole being, enters the sanctuary behind the curtain. 20 That’s where Jesus went in advance and entered for us, since he became a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
Reflection
There is some interesting background to be seen in this scripture. I find “we, who have taken refuge in him, can be encouraged to grasp the hope that is lying in front of us” as powerful and meaningful to me but let’s look together to see what else there is to see and ponder.
6:10-12 God isn’t unjust so that he forgets your efforts and the love you have shown for his name’s sake…
God’s purpose in saving you was not merely so you will go to heaven when you die; he wants to use you here until you die and then reward you with your kingdom inheritance when he returns (see Luke 19:11-19). Your usefulness increases as you grow in spiritual maturity during your pilgrimage from earth to glory.
6:13-15 Twenty-five years passed between God’s promise of a son and the birth of Isaac. Then many more years passed before that fateful day when Abraham faithfully offered Isaac on the altar and God swore by himself (6:13) that he would bless and multiply Abraham (6:14).
6:17 God’s promise is his declaration of what he will do, and his oath is his announcement that he is ready to do it. God made a promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3, but many years passed before he swore the oath in Genesis 22:16-17. In between, there was a long gap. During such gaps, God prepares the promise for the person and prepares the person for the promise. This is why persevering in faith is so important.
by Clarence Beverage
For Pondering and Prayer
What is your reaction to seeing the length of time between God’s promise and his action? Does it give you strength to be able to look forward in patient expectation of what will happen in the future?
Who are the people you use as examples of having grown in spiritual maturity through their faith and patience?
Prayer: Lord God, You do not overlook the work of our hands or the love we’ve poured out in Your name. Thank You that nothing done in service to others — even the small, unseen acts — is forgotten before You. Help us to want to keep working in love, keep serving faithfully, and keep hoping fully — trusting that You see every bit of it, and that You are faithful to bring it to completion. Let our assurance of what You’ve promised to remain full, not fading, with time or trial. Amen.
