HebrewsSample

Today’s verses are very challenging. The author uses the example of the people in the wilderness to warn against falling away from the faith (Hebrews 3:12). Naturally, the question arises: can Christians actually fall away from faith, when their security is ultimately God’s promise that nothing can separate them from Jesus and His love (Romans 8:39)?

If we follow the reasoning of the author of Hebrews, many of the Israelites at that time were also promised by God that they would enter His rest (= the promised land). Yet only a few experienced it, because most, due to unbelief and disobedience, died in the wilderness.

Is this possible for us Christians as well? The answer is difficult, as Scripture passages sometimes seem to contradict each other. Ultimately, however, we can heed the author’s warning: If you hear His voice today—do not harden your hearts.

Reflection

God sometimes speaks to us through His Holy Spirit, addressing specific sins in our lives. We sometimes ignore His correction. The steps we would need to take then seem too uncomfortable or “silly” to us.

Something to think about

• In your life, where are you in danger of hardening your heart on a specific point until you can no longer hear God speaking in that area?