Short Thoughts for Today

For today's short thoughts I will be looking at the eleventh verse of Hebrews 6. In this passage we read, "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end".

I find an interesting lesson in this passage of scripture. There is no doubt that the writer is at least in part making reference to his previous comments regarding their love for and ministry to the saints. And there is no doubt that one of the themes contained in the entire Hebrew letter is the assurance of hope that we have as believers.

But here the writer is inspired to speak of the realization of that hope. Over the past several days I believe we have seen several key elements for the believer in Christ to realize the "full assurance of hope" that is afforded those "in Christ". I would suggest that it begins will an understanding of the completeness of His work, His power to save and the sufficiency of His grace. It involves paying close attention to the truths of His word and not drifting away from them. It requires a process by which we mature in our faith, partaking of "milk" and satisfying a growing hunger for "solid food" as we come to know Him better. And it just seems to be more realized when we are engaged in ministry or service within the body of Christ.

Despite living in a world where hopelessness is often the state of mind many have, the child of God has the "full assurance of hope" but we must be diligent to realize the truth of it. And praise God that we can have this hope until the very end of this life. And then we will realize it perfectly as we see Him (our Hope) face to face.