Hebrews 10:23

New International Version (NIV)

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

For Meditation

The man I know is always serious, yet lively and responsive in conversations. But, there was something different about him the evening I visited to find out why I haven’t seen him in church lately. His forced smile, uneasy posture, and spacey disposition, all revealed an inner struggle. His response was evasive and short. Eventually, he blurted out an uncomfortable confession.

“I don’t know, Pastor. I am just discouraged. It’s nothing about the church or anybody. I am not attending another church. It’s just difficult to get myself in the mood for church on Sundays.”

Our conversation revealed a struggle in his life, family, and community situations. Many things challenged his faith, and the culmination of them had become burdensome.

His condition is not unique. It pervades the church today. Many people are burdened by many things and tired. They are challenged by the rapidly changing socio-political situation of today. The church’s response isn’t helping either. It is struggling to find its identity amid all the changes. The resulting compromises and conformity are challenging the weak believer and confusing the seeker.

Many think Christianity is too demanding and restrictive. They are flirting with the idea of ‘loosening up’ a little bit to be modern. Some doubt if it’s worthwhile after all. Faith and doctrine are bombarded by other religious propositions, humanistic ideas, and philosophical arguments.

How does the child of God respond? Is staying away from church the answer?

The book of Hebrews speaks to a similar situation – a discouraged Christian community that was flirting with falling back into Judaism. The writer systematically establishes the supremacy of the Christian faith and doctrine over the Old Testaments sacrifice and worship system. In chapter 10:19-25, he calls the discouraged believer to persevere.  

^“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (23-25).

1. So, can you encourage yourself in the promises of God?
2. Can you ask the Lord to show you somebody you can help?
3. When you attend service, can you be discerning as you greet and chat with others (Gen. 40:6)?
4. Can you call someone you haven’t seen in service lately?
5. Can you add the discouraged to your prayer list?

May the Lord comfort and encourage you in the face of extreme economic, political, social, and religious upheavals of our time so that you can encourage and strengthen others (2 Cor. 1:3-4). As the Lord told Peter,

“I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Lk. 22:32).

Shalom