When we dwell on the things we are going through in the present, we sometimes forget the life that awaits us eternally in heaven with our Lord. We must be reminded of it continuously and keep our eyes in the target until the end.
Let us consider the following verses:
Hebrews 6:9-12 (NKJV)
v. 9: “But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.”
We are confident (persuaded) of better things
Persuade – convince, incite, induce. (Convince) Rebuke - Who is it that convinces? The Holy Spirit convinces our spirit that what we are waiting for is the truth and there is no doubt in us that makes us waver.
Persuaded of what? – of better things. When the enemy whispers to us about the things that we are facing, the Holy Spirit reminds us of the things we are waiting for. Perhaps we are suffering now, but eternal joy awaits us. We may feel pain now, but a life without pain or suffering with Christ in heaven awaits us. Better days are coming.
v. 10: “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
God is not unjust—that is, He does not act unjustly. If He is not unjust, because that is not part of His character, then He will not forget what His children do out of love for Him and His work. The only thing God forgets is our sins. Once he forgives them, he never remembers them.
If you ever feel that what you are doing is in vain, look at what Matthew 19:29 (NKJV) says: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
God will give us the reward on that day when we stand before Him.
v. 11: “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,”
"Same diligence" – diligence – careful and persistent work or effort. Have you come across people who treat you in such a careful and dedicated way that they make you feel good? The apostle exhorts us to continue to show that diligence toward God and toward others to the end, that is, until Christ comes, or we go to Him. We cannot get tired, even if no matter how much good we do, we receive bad in return. It is like the father or mother who strives to give the best to their children and their children do not appreciate what their parents do. God says to you: do not get tired, keep doing good with the same diligence until the end. The day will come when they will realize everything Mom or Dad did for them. Let us remain sure of what we expect.
v. 12: “that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Lazy – Idle. The enemy looks for a way to subtly introduce himself so that we lose heart and become lazy to do God's will. So that we start thinking, why should I go on if I don’t see the results? I'm not going to keep trying. I am tired, I'm going to hang in the towel. And we slowly stop doing what God wants us to do and we become lazy. We no longer feel the desire to do God's will. Careful! Do not let go of what God has entrusted you to do. That is what the enemy wants, so that we do not reach the better things that God has for us.
"but imitators" – imitator, (imitate) – acting, behaving, or doing something in the likeness of another person. Reproduce a thing or person in an exact or very similar way.
Paul said, "Be imitators of me as I imitate Christ." Children tend to imitate what they learn from their parents. Who is our greatest example to imitate? Jesus. We must imitate Jesus.
We can't get tired. Better things await us. It is God promise and He is not a man to lie, nor a son of man to repent. Think for a moment of that heavenly city, where you will be there in heaven with Christ reigning for eternity. The incorruptible things that God has prepared await us.
Those men and women of God of the early times, died without seeing the promise; but a heavenly blessing awaits them. If they stood firm to the end, so can we, with God's help. Let us stand firm without hesitation.
Hebrews 12:2: “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Our Lord suffered for us, but one day He will return for His church so that we may reign together with Him. Then we will receive our reward from Him. The incorruptible crown that He has promised to those who love Him. God loves you.
Song: Better Days Coming, MercyMe