Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Mon, 27 Aug 2007 16:48:14 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (Aug. 28); BP: Heb. 4:14-16; RBTTY: I Cor. 10:1-18; Ps. 123-125
August 28 “On Holding Fast the Faith”
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, Who is passed into the
heavens—Jesus, the Son of God—let us hold fast our profession.”
Hebrews 4:14
We should forever give thanks for His “glue of grace” that holds and
sustains us.
Perseverance.
Throughout the Scriptures we read that that’s one of the spiritual
characteristics of a “Pilgrim of the Way” (Gal. 5:22-23). Although it’s
called by another names like “patience” . . . “longsuffering”. . .
“endurance,” etc., it’s still that “stick-to-it-ness” or tenacity of soul
that keeps us from quitting when waving the white flag of surrender would be
the easiest thing to do.
The anonymous author of the Epistle to the Hebrews knew his readers
were going through a rough time. It’s evident they were undergoing
persecution and being tempted to recant their faith for survival’s sake;
however, throughout his loving letter he “wooed” them to remain faithful by
“looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith” (Heb. 12:2) and
warned them of the sad consequences of turning their back upon their First
Love (Heb. 2:1-3; 4:7-19; 6:1-8).
Today’s Manna is one of those heartfelt pleas to “hold on” by “holding
fast the faith.” The Greek word “krateo” is used here for “hold fast” and
also means “to use strength, to retain, hold onto, be vigorous, gain
dominion over, etc.” Thus, it’s the picture of “staying under the load”
when the burden’s heavy—confident that there’s Another under there with us
(Mt. 11:28-30).
And, Who might this “Other” be?
We know, don’t we?
Assuredly we do! It’s the Lord Jesus Christ. . .the Begotten of the
Father. . .the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world. . .and our
“great High Priest, Who is passed into the Heavens” and even now “is praying
for us by name” (Heb. 7:24-25). Hallelujah!!
Oh, dear Pilgrim, we know the hour is late because true, Biblical faith
is more widely questioned and rejected now than ever before. We’re
bombarded on every side by “the world, the flesh and the devil” and treated
as the “scum of the earth” wherever we go.
But, do not fear, weary one—for they treated Jeremiah that way when he
lived (Lam. 3:45), even as they did the Apostle Paul during his sojourn here
on earth (I Cor. 4:10-13). And, we know that’s how friend and foe alike
treated the Lord Jesus.
Therefore, in the midst of discouragement we should find deep
consolation, knowing the One Who conquered sin, death and the grave is the
One Who is praying for us at this moment in Heaven’s “Holy of Holies.” Even
now we’re hear His Voice whispering the lyrics of the old song: “Be
faithful, weary Pilgrim, the morning I can see. Just lift your cross and
follow close to Me.” Amen and amen.
_________________________________________________________________
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