Thoughts on the readings for June 5th (Joshua 23, 24, Isaiah 29, Hebrews 12)

The 12th chapter of Hebrews is about patience in hope. The first two verses in some ways belong to the previous chapter. The “cloud” of witnesses refers to the faithful mentioned in chapter 11, plus us (hopefully – 11:39-40). A cloud is formed by the action of the sun, which draws vapour from the masses of water in the sea and other places. Twice in v1 of chapter 12 do we hear those watchwords of resolution – “Let us …”. We commence the race for eternal life when we are baptised into our Lord Jesus Christ. In this race we follow our Lord who is our “archegos” ie the author, or founder of faith. Jesus has run the course and has entered into eternal life. Having finished the course he is running towards us and bringing the finishing tape with him. None of us will attain to life through our efforts. The writer of Hebrews speaks of the “sin that so easily besets” – the Greek expression is talking of “the sin that sits comfortably” with us ie the sin that we do not want to give up because we see it as not being of great importance. Yet the writer says that sin is impeding our path to the kingdom. But God has done in His Son what we cannot complete. What the Father asks of His children is that they believe, and follow and run with patience and endurance this race. Verses 3-17 is a lesson to be understood by all of the Father’s children ie to patiently endure. If ever any of us should feel that the struggling against sin is too difficult – then think again. Consider the Lord’s endurance cost him his life and even though he benefits from his sacrifice Jesus died to take away our sins. Then take heart and lift up the hanging hands and the feeble knees and press on. The Proverbs addresses these issue and through His Word the Father makes His appeal to each of us. The writer says that the fact we are suffering is proof that our Father is developing character in His children. The Father’s aim is to have us live as His children ie in holiness that He might live with us perpetually in His kingdom. Present suffering is unpleasant, but we need to be longsighted and realise the eventual benefit of present trials. The writer says that the faithful are not like Esau who only lived in and for the present. Verses 18-29 reminds us that whatever can be shaken is temporary and transient. By contrast the kingdom prepared by the Father for His family is future. It is the centre of our hope. It is not momentary it is eternal. Verses 18-24 contrasts the terror experienced by Israel at Sinai with the uplifting sevenfold blessings that belong to Zion’s children, freeborn of Jerusalem in Christ Jesus our Lord (see Galatians 4:21-31). I encourage each of you to explore those blessings in verses 22-24. The writer appeals to the listeners to heed the heavenly voice so as not to perish as those who are enslaved by Law and legalism. Verses 26-29 describe the benefits of the faithful, those enduring in hope, in receiving an unshakable, immovable and eternal kingdom. And so the writer directs our minds to the words of Haggai 2:6-9.