6 Biblical Principles of Martin Luther King JrНамуна

READING

The original readers of Hebrews were struggling. These Jewish believers were tempted to forget their faith in Jesus of Nazareth and slide back into the comfortable Judaism they grew up with. Why stick with a ragtag new religion that had to meet in secret when they could worship at the incredible temple Herod had rebuilt? Why worry about upsetting the ruling power by worshipping “king” Jesus? Why not just try to connect with God the way everyone else had for centuries? Was the hard, dangerous work of following Jesus really worth it?

The anonymous writer of Hebrews certainly thought so. Two major themes in the book are the superiority of Jesus and the need to persevere. Both are captured in today’s Scripture reading. Both speak to the ongoing battles that divide our world today. Both speak to the struggles with sin that you may be experiencing in your life—either your own sin or sins committed against you.

The world seems more broken than ever. The pandemic took a toll in lives, relationships, economics, and politics. Racial injustice and violence against the marginalized flood our newsfeeds every day. Additionally, it’s never been easier to fall into secret sins through our smartphones. From the hopelessness of online addictions to the destructive powers of envy and prejudice on social media, constant internet access creates temptations for all of us.

If you are a follower of Jesus, then you are connected to the greatest power for change in the universe. You have a relationship with the living God. As it says in Hebrews, you can enter “the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” and “draw near to God” (vv. 19, 22). Now is the time to persevere in your faith. You may be fighting for justice in your neighborhood or battling sin in your own life. Whatever you face, act on your perseverance. Remain steadfast in Jesus and look for those in your life who can “spur you on to love and good deeds” (v. 24).

REFLECTION

Are you affected by someone else’s sin? This could be abuse, manipulation, or something else. Who can you talk with about this?

Are you battling sin in your own life? Confess that sin today and act against it. Seek the help and encouragement of another Christian brother or sister.

Are you working to bring justice and the love of God to people in your community? Who might spur you on when your perseverance wanes? Connect with that person today.

PRAYER

Dear God, help me to persevere. I cannot face ______ without your help. Thank you Jesus for being my “great high priest.” Strengthen my resolve to follow you. I dedicate my life to you again. Amen.