Hebrews #07: an exposition of Hebrews 3:7-19. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, May 18, 2014.
Intro:
It was an unforgettable night. As all Israel slept snug in their beds with the aroma of roasted lamb lingering throughout the house, lamb’s blood smeared above the door and on either side – the angel of death passed through the land. There was wailing across the land as the destroyer struck down the firstborn of both man and beast throughout all of Egypt. It was the end of 430 years of bondage. Pharaoh summoned Moses and demanded that Israel leave immediately. 600,000 men on foot, plus women and children (about 1,500,00 souls), began an orderly exodus. Ephraim led the way carrying the bones of Joseph fulfilling his dying wish to have his bones returned to the land of his father. Israel left unexpectedly rich as the Egyptians, “gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians” (Ex. 12:36). As the Israelites entered the wilderness an immense pillar of cloud formed in the sky before them leading the way. At sunset that cloud became a pillar of fire, so that every night Israel was lighted by its swirling orange glow (13:20-22). It must have been an incredible sight.
In a dramatic change of heart the army of Egypt pursed the Israelites. Israel was trapped between the approaching army and the Red Sea. The pillar of cloud moved behind Israel and became a shield of protection. Moses stretch forth his hand and the great Sea parted. A dry path appeared and the children of Israel crossed safely to the other side. When the army tried to pursue the waters were released and came crashing down and the army of Egypt was destroyed. There was no doubt, God was with them! What an extraordinary beginning. What hopes and dreams were inspired by such events. Soon they would be in the land of Promise. It began so well and yet it end so poorly. There were 600,000 men who marched out of Egypt only 2 over the age of twenty ever made it to the Promise Land…and that was 40 years later. The rest were buried in graves of sand throughout the wilderness. The lesson is both plain and terrifying – it is possible to begin well and end poorly.
It is that thought burning in the mind and heart of the writer of Hebrews that caused him to write with such urgency to that struggling house church in the heart of Rome. There is no doubt he knew and loved this congregation. He knew their stories of exodus from death to life. From sin to salvation. His burden was that they finish well. So many had already abandoned the way. He is pleading with those who remain, “stay faithful. Continue in belief. Don’t turn back.” Our text this morning is found in Hebrews chapter 3 beginning with verse 7.
Text: Hebrews 3:7-19
Living for Christ in a Christless world is difficult. We would be lying to suggest otherwise. Jesus told his followers, “In this life you will have tribulation. But take heart I have overcome the world.” The life we’ve been called to is no walk in the park. It is not a leisurely stroll through golden fields drench in sunlight. It requires daily death and the road of often dark and dreary.
“You know pastor, numbers are down and we could use some extra folks. Not exactly the kind of preaching that draws a crowd.” When you are fighting for your life, struggling to survive, smiling and assuring, “you can have your best life now” just doesn’t cut it. There is, of course, a place for encouragement but there is also a place for warning. Assurance in a time of danger is treachery. When one is in danger of losing their faith the loving thing to do is to warn them of that danger.
With great love and from deep pastoral care the biblical writer says to us…
Thesis: Biblical faithfulness demands that we give careful attention to the condition of our soul and to the cultivation of continued belief.
There are three things from this text I want us to carefully consider.
- Starting well does not guarantee finishing well. (3:7-11)
- Finishing well demands personal diligence and corporate accountability. (3:12-15)
- Finishing well demands that you doggedly cling to the hope with which you began. (3:14, 16-19)