For in fact we have received the Good News just as our ancestors did.
But the word that they heard did not profit them,
for they were not united in faith with those who listened.
P erhaps because the Letter to the Hebrews points to the repeated failure of "our ancestors" the epistle is called "...to the Hebrews." In any case, the divine author could use many unfortunate stories to remind new Christians that Baptism is not a one-off guarantee of eternal salvation.
That dark reminder, however, comes with many stories of those who kept the faith since Abraham and Sarah left their ancestors in Ur to discover the Land God had promised them. We will hear many of their names when we come to Hebrews 10.
These stories of failure and fidelity remind us that we must strive to enter into God's rest. Just as the Creator worked for six days before taking his rest, so do we apply ourselves continually to the task, with many disappointments only occasional rest.
If we would be like God we should act like God. Our God proves his worthiness to be our God by continual effort, attention, courage, and heroic sacrifice. The sacrifice of his only begotten son cost more than God could afford, so we should not be surprised when the Lord demands more than we expected or were prepared to surrender.
Of course, God has no need to prove his worthiness. His sovereignty is total, complete, and unlimited! But in love he chooses to give more, and then to give more again. Nor does he need our sacrifice. If he demands it of us, it's for our own good, and is necessary for our salvation.
I vacationed once with two high school pals. We had kept in touch the many years and enjoyed each others company -- to a point. But that point came and went, and we were still together. When an opportunity came to be alone with one, I complained loudly about the other. "I'm on vacation! I shouldn't have to put up with this!"
He replied, "There is no vacation from the spiritual life."
There are moments of consolation just as there are moments of desolation, but there are no vacations. Fuhgeddaboudit!
"Let us strive to enter into his rest."
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.