I can almost hear the collective groan at this weak humor, but there is so much "let us" in this passage that it sounds like a vegetable garden (you can't say I didn't warn you!) Hebrews ten contains three "let us" phrases in three verses that we do well to look at:
" let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith ... Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering ... let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:22,23,24).
If ever you wanted to know what the life and sacrifice of Christ ought to mean to you, here it is. First of all, it provides the basis and confidence for approaching a holy God. I envy the first man, Adam, who had the privilege of "walking in the garden in the cool of the day" with God (Genesis 3:8). One fateful day, however, all changed, and has never been the same since. Since that day, a walk in the park with a holy God has been a prescription for certain destruction. But, through the sacrifice of His sinless Son, we now have confidence to draw near and experience intimacy long lost through paradise lost.
Secondly, because of the accomplished work of Christ and the confidence to approach a holy God, we are admonished to "hold fast" the hope we confess without wavering. In other words, don't take privilege for granted; be zealous to guard the gift given. As has been said, grace is free, but it is not cheap. It cost the Son of God His very life, and we must forfeit our life if we would freely receive His.
Thirdly, the life and work of Christ implies that we make it our ambition to stir up our brothers and sisters in Christ to exemplify His love and loving deeds. Responding to His sacrifice means that we collectively seek to live His lifestyle.
Three "let us" phrases powerfully remind us that the Christian life is a collective thing. The writer of Hebrews didn't write, "you draw near ... you hold fast ... you consider ...". Instead of "you", he addressed "us"; a group. It's a bit like a group class assignment: the teacher gathers the class and gives specific instructions for the project they are to work on. And so it is with us: our church congregation, Sunday School class, or home group is called together to work out the details of the assignment; none in the group are exempt.
Let me suggest that one of the fundamental problems with the Christian faith in our time is that we've made it a "Lone Ranger" thing. In a culture that places heavy emphasis on individuality, we've subtly allowed this emphasis to supplant the collective life of the body of Christ. Church involvement in a transparent and authentic way has become an option rather than an imperative.
"Let us draw near ... let us hold fast ... let us consider". Jot down on your "to-do" list this important priority: to gather soon with your spiritual family group for some important "let us" discussion.
Steve
© 2010, Steve Taylor
" let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith ... Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering ... let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:22,23,24).
If ever you wanted to know what the life and sacrifice of Christ ought to mean to you, here it is. First of all, it provides the basis and confidence for approaching a holy God. I envy the first man, Adam, who had the privilege of "walking in the garden in the cool of the day" with God (Genesis 3:8). One fateful day, however, all changed, and has never been the same since. Since that day, a walk in the park with a holy God has been a prescription for certain destruction. But, through the sacrifice of His sinless Son, we now have confidence to draw near and experience intimacy long lost through paradise lost.
Secondly, because of the accomplished work of Christ and the confidence to approach a holy God, we are admonished to "hold fast" the hope we confess without wavering. In other words, don't take privilege for granted; be zealous to guard the gift given. As has been said, grace is free, but it is not cheap. It cost the Son of God His very life, and we must forfeit our life if we would freely receive His.
Thirdly, the life and work of Christ implies that we make it our ambition to stir up our brothers and sisters in Christ to exemplify His love and loving deeds. Responding to His sacrifice means that we collectively seek to live His lifestyle.
Three "let us" phrases powerfully remind us that the Christian life is a collective thing. The writer of Hebrews didn't write, "you draw near ... you hold fast ... you consider ...". Instead of "you", he addressed "us"; a group. It's a bit like a group class assignment: the teacher gathers the class and gives specific instructions for the project they are to work on. And so it is with us: our church congregation, Sunday School class, or home group is called together to work out the details of the assignment; none in the group are exempt.
Let me suggest that one of the fundamental problems with the Christian faith in our time is that we've made it a "Lone Ranger" thing. In a culture that places heavy emphasis on individuality, we've subtly allowed this emphasis to supplant the collective life of the body of Christ. Church involvement in a transparent and authentic way has become an option rather than an imperative.
"Let us draw near ... let us hold fast ... let us consider". Jot down on your "to-do" list this important priority: to gather soon with your spiritual family group for some important "let us" discussion.
Steve
© 2010, Steve Taylor
posted by steve @ 8:01 AM
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