Holding Tight

Today's Verse:

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. ~Hebrews 4:14 

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A few years ago, I took members of my family out of town for a family trip. On the first day of our arrival I took my granddaughter to see the ocean waves. As I knelt down holding her to touch the water on the shoreline, we both were surprised by a rogue wave about two feet high that got both of us wet. She was very startled and with both hands held me very tightly for the next few minutes. She was “holding fast” out of fear of another big splash of water. Paul is encouraging the Hebrew believers to not let anything discourage their faith. Twice in the book of Hebrews, Paul encourages us to hold fast the profession of our faith. 

We must hold fast by watching. 

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” The surest way to avoid a big letdown or down fall is by keeping our eyes on our Lord Jesus Christ. We are reminded throughout Hebrews to “consider him”. Let us keep our eyes on His example. He was tempted in all points as us, yet without sin. He suffered immense pressure and pain, yet He did not give in. Let us keep our eyes on His expiation. His expiation was His death on the cross for our sins. What He endured was grueling, yet He endured such contradiction of sinners. When you are discouraged to quit, look to your Great High Priest as your example. 

We must hold fast by working. 

“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” The word labor is the Greek word “spoudazo” which means to apply earnest diligence in an endeavor. It is also translated “study” in 2 Timothy 2:15 and “endeavor” in Ephesians 4:3. The “rest” refers to claiming our spiritual inheritance in Christ. Like Joshua when he made conquest of Canaan, there are battles we must fight. We must fight Satan, the world, and our flesh. We must fight slothfulness and becoming lukewarm. We must put effort into serving the Lord, praying, soulwinning, exercising faith, and worshipping. 

We must hold fast by wrestling. 

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Epaphras is described as “laboring fervently” in his prayers for the believers at Colossae. “Laboring fervently” can be translated as wrestling in your praying. Hebrews 4:16 is an exhortation to approach the throne of grace with boldness and assurance that God will give us grace to “keep us from falling apart” when the enemy tries to assail us. Intense, fervent praying is a helpful way to keep us focused. 

We must hold fast without wavering. 

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23). The Hebrew believers were facing temptations, pressures, and discouragements to pull back. Paul was exhorting them to be firm and steadfast. We must hold fast in our doctrine, duty, and devotion. We must hold fast our Baptist faith. There are many temptations to give in to peer pressure and religious fads. When the pressures and fads wear off, it is easy for us think what we tried doesn’t work and give up. Don’t waver when it comes to the faith once delivered to the saints. 

Don’t let discouragement, distractions, and disillusionment keep you from being strong in the Lord. Hold tightly! 

Have a steadfast God Morning!  

Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Corinthians 9-11

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