Hang On, It’s A Wild Ride: Hebrews 10:19-25

A Reflection for Monday, April 7 by Jeannette Conver

Lectionary reading for 04/07/2025:  Psalm 20; Exodus 40:1-15; Hebrews 10:19-25;

Selected passage for reflection: Hebrews 10:19-25

Read

Hebrews 10:19-25 New Living Translation

19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Reflect

The writer of Hebrews gifts us with such encouragement in a time we may feel our faith failing. What is the remedy for our distress or despair? Well, we begin by noticing how many times these verses repeat “let us.” Right away we realize we are not meant to struggle alone.

The author’s practical advice follows with several instructions. First, we are told to go right into God’s presence with sincere and trusting hearts. The God who holds the world in his hands listens to us; gives us an audience.

Second, we are advised to hold tightly to the hope in which we believe. Why? Because we can trust that our God is a keeper of promises. Others may fail to live up to their promises, but God never fails. The fulfillment may take longer than we would like, but God never turns us away when we cry out for help.

Third, we read that we are to find ways to motivate one another to love and good works. “Wait…you want me to think about loving and serving others when I feel miserable? Impossible!” you say. “I can barely get out of bed sometimes.” But think…Aren’t you energized by hearing someone else’s dream of caring for a neighbor? Aren’t you inspired when you work with a group on a project that’s bigger than any one of you? How is your heart moved when you sing and pray and read Scripture with unified voices in worship? This mutual motivation really works, doesn’t it?

The last recommendation describes what happens when we make it a habit to be with other believers. We get together for work, for a meal, to worship and our eyes are lifted from just ourselves. Verse 25 reminds us to listen to one another’s stories of God’s spirit at work in our lives and be encouraged. We tell our stories of struggle or joy and others offer comfort and companionship on our pathway.

We can have hope even though we may feel like our world is turned upside down and inside out… We can still have hope when grief, fear, despair, or pain have us in their grip. We can still have hope and have confidence to approach God even when the ground underneath our feet has fallen away and all our certainties have blown away. I need to hear these words right now!

Respond

Talk to God confidently about your anxieties and struggles. Which sister or brother in Christ might have a story, a word of encouragement, or a shoulder to lean on? Call to mind a time recently when someone has cared for you in practical ways. Thank God for them and thank them!

Rest

Creator God, strengthen our grip on your promises. Sometimes we lose sight of you. Holy Spirit, remind us that God is faithful, never failing. Whether we are in seasons of joy or sorrow, lack nothing or are in need- anchor our hearts and minds in your love. And remind us to encourage others in your love.  Amen

About the author

Rev. Jeannette Conver is a pastor, preacher, mentor, coach, and advocate. Besides enjoying the beautiful North Cascades, she loves to encourage other clergywomen. She has a husband, four adult children, and two grandchildren. She adopted two kitties almost a year ago and enjoys being Mom of a Siamese and a tabby.