Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25
Jesus, even as I awake to a howling wind and torrents of rain, the most defining marks of this new day are your steadfast love and new mercies. I praise you for your presence I experience in the Scriptures and the presents I always receive through them. What a gracious and generous Savior you are!
As I meditate my way through this particular portion of your Word—this “let-us-patch” of gospel admonitions, a couple of things stand out. First of all, I’m convicted about the importance of holding onto the hope you’ve secured for us in the gospel—a living hope… an anchor of hope… a most glorious hope.
Our hope is certain, but we certainly need to “hold it”… like I hold my favorite fly rod or one of my beloved cameras. We’re meant to enjoy the great gift of hope, not fear losing it… engage with our hope, not ignore it… ponder our hope, not presume upon it.
I’m also thankful you’re not calling us to “hope against all hope” or to “hope in hope,” but to hope in you. Jesus, you’ve made promises you alone can keep. Because you are faithful and because you are loving, not hoping is not an option.
This Scripture also convicts me about the “daily-ness” of bringing encouragement to friends, family members, and those you put in our way. Encouragement doesn’t just happen. As the great Day of your return approaches—the Day when all hoping-in-part will give way to the fullness of hope, compel us to speak words of hope and healing to those who need them the most. Empower us for bringing your hands of mercy and grace to bear in very tangible and timely ways.
Jesus, early in this season of Advent, to whom would you send us today? Put names and faces before us who need the encouragement you alone can bring today. So very Amen, we pray, in your loving and hope-filled name.
