Scripture:
Hebrews 3:1-13
Reflection:
As Christians we often speak about the past. That’s only right, because our faith is
firmly rooted in history – God’s dealings with humanity over several millennia, the
coming of Jesus into our world, and his death and resurrection, 2,000 years ago.
We often speak about the future. And that’s right, too. The Christian’s hope is firmly
rooted in the belief that Jesus will return and set up his Kingdom on the renewed
earth. We long for that day, because righteousness and justice are the foundation of
His throne, and love and faithfulness will characterise His kingdom (Psalm 89:14).
My last reflection (‘We know now…’) looked back over this past year to see
what lessons we have learnt through this pandemic, which will influence our future.
Our conclusions will be different for each of us.
BUT WHAT ABOUT NOW?
It is all very well talking about what we have done, and what we are going to do, but
what are you doing NOW? What decisions are you making NOW which affect your
daily walk with God. I remember one elderly person saying to me that they had many
dreams of things they would like to do, but they had never acted on those dreams
and now they would never do them.
Hebrews 3 is a challenge to God’s people to remember their past and to be
influenced by it TODAY: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…
(7-8). God has spoken to us through His Word, the Bible. Are you listening to Him?
Most of all, He tells us of the salvation available to us through Jesus. Do not harden
your heart. Verse 13 says, …encourage one another daily, as long as it is called
‘Today’. Will your conversations today be encouraging for others?
There is an immediacy and vulnerability about our lives which calls for action. James 4:14 says, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. If you feel that there is something in your life which needs correcting, take action today. Is there something you can do for God and to bless others? Do it today. Is there a word you can say to draw a person closer to God? Say it today.
Living for God now, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, makes the decisions about what
is next much easier. The Lord gives wisdom; . . . He holds success in store for the
upright, . . . he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones
(Proverbs 2:6–8).
May God supply what we need for us to live by His guidelines NOW.
And what of tomorrow? James again: …you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we
will live and do this or that’ (James 4:15).
Prayer:
Lord, may nothing separate me from You today. Teach me how to choose only Your
way today so that each step will lead me closer to You. Help me walk by Your Word
and not my feelings. Help me to keep my heart pure and undivided. Protect me from
my own careless thoughts, words, and actions. And keep me from being distracted
by MY wants, MY desires, MY thoughts on how things should be.
Help me to embrace what comes my way as an opportunity... rather than a personal
inconvenience.
Amen.
Songs:
Hope, be my anthem (Jesus I need you) - Hillsong
Food for Thought:
Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities to live for Him which He will bring your
way today.