A Word from Hebrews 3

Do you ever find yourself struggling with “a complaining spirit”? Please understand; I’m not accusing you of that! But let’s be honest: despite all the blessings we enjoy, it can be awfully easy to find something to gripe about. It’s too cold, and prices are too high. The world’s a mess, and Washington isn’t making it any better. There’s too much to do, and too little time to get it done.

And naturally, we’re not the first for whom “complaint” has been a spiritual gift! In fact, in today’s word from Hebrews Chapter 3, scripture invites us to remember the ancient Israelites, as they made their journey out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. And as you might recall, God had done so much for them! He freed them the cruelty of Pharaoh. He gave them water from the rock and bread in the wilderness. And yet, the Bible says, they “hardened their hearts” and “tested God’s patience” with their constant complaining.

And so, the author of Hebrews gives us this admonition: “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must encourage each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.” (3:12-14)

So today, let’s be encouraged…and let’s encourage each other! Let’s remember all that God has done for us. And even if we face situations that cause us hardship, let’s keep trusting that God is with us. And we, too, will share in all that belongs to Christ. Amen.