The past weeks have been filled with humbled gratitude for our Savior. We have thought, written in our journal, prayed, and talked about:
Jesus' ultimate sacrifice
Let's close this series with how we can show our gratitude to God for all He has done, and all He will continue to do, for us.
Although we cannot be certain who wrote the book of Hebrews, we know the author has the heart of a pastor and for Jesus. In this epistle, the author writes to warn those who have previously considered leaving the faith in Jesus as the Messiah. The writer urges them to hold fast to their faith and embrace Him as the one who brings eternal salvation. We can understand there is turmoil of some sort for the original readers of the epistle of Hebrews, whether it is political, legal, or spiritual, we are not certain. We can determine, though, the author is desperate to counsel the recipients regarding their faith standing strong.
This applies today, too, don't you think? There have been times in my life where I had trouble holding on to my faith. In fact, for over 15 years, I had lost my faith in Jesus entirely. I dealt with varying degrees of addiction in my life and didn't turn to God's Word when I should have. I can relate to the original readers of Hebrews. Is it just me?
While watching the people I love struggle with addiction it was difficult for me to see that God cares for me. During the hard times, it is hard to understand why God allows bad things to happen to good people. In the middle of the hurt I have not always been able to feel God's love.
God does care. God teaches me. God does love me.
After reconnecting with my Savior, I have a different thought pattern. Turning my will over to the care of God, who understands, is what helps me through those seasons of difficulty and hurt today. I've said before, God doesn't move, we do . That statement is so true. When I encountered heartache and difficulties in my past, I moved away from God. Once I turned my focus back to Him, change happened.
Jesus changed my heart
Jesus changed my thoughts
Jesus changed situations
Maybe the original readers of Hebrews felt the same way, I can't be sure, but the author knew there was unrest for them. He urges them to be grateful for an eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken.
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service wit