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Hebrews 10: 32-39

³²Don’t ever forget those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. ³³Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. ³⁴You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail. When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity.
³⁵Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! ³⁶Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

³⁷“For in just a little while,
the Coming One will come and not delay.
³⁸ And a righteous person will live by faith.
But I will have no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”

³⁹But we are not like those who turn their backs on God and seal their fate. We have faith that assures our salvation.

Reflect

Tradition tells us that in Lacedomonian custom, the women would present shields to their sons who were going into battle. They would say, “Either bring this back, or be brought back on it;” alluding to the custom of bringing back a slain soldier on his own shield, a proof that he had preserved it to the last, and had been faithful to his country. They would encourage them by saying, “This is the shield your father preserved, it is up to you to preserve it or perish”.

Our faith in Jesus, and the assurance of salvation is our shield. We should keep it and preserve it for it will always be our defense. We should accept this as both a warning and an encouragement!

Respond

Why is it important to develop perseverance in our Christian faith?

Have you ever been challenged or persecuted because of your faith?

Even today, it isn’t popular to be a Christian. How can your faith in Jesus help you overcome the challenges you may face?

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