The summer before I became a kindergartener was full of excitement. I couldn’t wait to go and make new friends and learn new things. My parents had fueled that anticipation in every way they could, vividly describing all I would be able to do with my newfound knowledge of math, science, and reading. On the first day, I walked into the new adventure bursting with joy and hope. You can imagine my mom’s concern when I came home full of anger. With more than a little prying, she eventually coaxed me to admit that I was mad at her because she promised that I was going to learn to read when I went to school, but after going for a whole day, I still didn’t know how!
This story shows how silly 5-year-olds can be, but it also reminds us that growth is a process. The problem for the first audience of the letter to the Hebrews is that they had convinced themselves that they had arrived and didn’t need to keep growing. At least as silly as expecting you could learn how to read after one day of school would be high schoolers content to learn the ABCs again. There is legitimate danger of stagnation in our Christian walk and the antidote is what this section of Hebrews is about. As we go forward this week we will see the Old Testament applied to our understanding of Jesus in a way that unlocks those confusing readings anew and shines a light on the majesty of our Savior and Lord. As we grow in these things, the truth of God’s holy and loving nature is revealed with increasing clarity to the world around us as we live as people defined by our mission.
God of love, it is by your hand that all things grow. As the rain soaks the ground and the farmer looks on in hope, it is by your blessing that the miracle of life springs from the ground. In the same way, we do the spiritual work of planting and tilling, sowing and reaping, but our hearts only grow by your design. Remind us today the power of your love that enlivens us for the work at hand. Make us faithful and faith filled as we trust in your work with our hands to the plow. Amen!
Questions for reflection:
- Verse 12 contrasts those who are “spiritually dull and indifferent” with those who “inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.” How would you describe a life that is spiritually dull and indifferent?
- Verses 4-6 describe the limitations of what we can do; “It is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened… and who then turn away from God.” Does this mean that it is impossible for some prodigal sons and daughters to return? Can you think of Scriptures that show God’s willingness to save anyone who turns to him? If this verse doesn’t mean that some people are beyond salvation, could it be about our incapacity to change another person?
- When it comes to growth, some people tend to focus on knowledge, abstract concepts and being different. These people focus on the “why” questions. Some other people tend to focus on what they are doing, concrete changes, and the parts of life that are practical and measurable. Reading this passage of encouragement to continued growth, do you think the first audience erred on one side or the other? Which tendency fits you best? What can you learn from those who fit the other pattern?