Short Thoughts for Today

Today's passage of scripture for my "short thoughts" is found in Hebrews 10:32-35 where the author writes, "But remember the former days, when after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. Therefore, do not throwaway your confidence, which has a great reward."

If I had to summarize my thoughts regarding today's scripture in just a few short words I would say, remember the faithfulness of God and the treasures that are ours as members of the body of Christ! Like the original recipients of the letter, are there not times when we all need to "remember the former days"? Remember our salvation. Remember those times of earnest prayer and the answers to prayer we have experienced. Remember the joys of fellowship. The joy of singing together, reading and studying His word together or just enjoying all that we have in common with those who believe. Perhaps you will not agree, but we may need to remember the sorrows. Not for sorrow's sake but to remember the comfort of God that came through His word or through the life of a brother or sister in Christ, praying and weeping together as His will was sought.

As the writer is inspired to remind us in today's verses, we have for ourselves "a better possession and a lasting one". It cannot be taken away and we cannot be separated from it. The "confidence" or faith we have in the One who is forever faithful has "a great reward". All who have "walked in the Spirit" know this to be true. But something serious is implied both here and in other areas of God's word. The volition that is the believer's. So the writer admonishes all who may find themselves in such a situation, "do not throw away your confidence". I believe this confidence is ours to have but we ought not take it for granted. We should grow in it and cling to it. And when afforded the privilege we should be a help and not a hinderance to our brothers and sisters in Christ holding onto theirs.