Studying Hebrews: Don't Turn Back

"Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift

away from it.  For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable

and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall

we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"  Hebrews 2:1-3 (ESV)

Studying Hebrews for a small group has led me to much thought, prayer, and reflection.  In this book, the writer is encouraging a group of believers to stand fast and not return to the old way of The Law.  He makes a great argument, showing how much better it is to have revelation directly from God instead of through His intermediaries, the angels and prophets.  The person of Christ is the fulfillment of The Law, the one to whom the Old Testament pointed to.  He was made perfect in His suffering and, in doing so, can sympathize with us in our own suffering and temptation.  What a great Savior!

In thinking about this, I not only reflected on The Law and returning to it, but also in how I (and I'm sure others) can be tempted to return to old ways in our own lives.  While we are saved through Jesus' work on the cross, the flesh is not fully dead.  

I'm someone who has had a lot of work done, but I still need A LOT of work.  Even so, I realize how God has changed me over time, delivering me from things such as anger, lying, manipulation, and a long list of many other things.  At one point, however, I felt that each of those things was a part of me and I didn't want to let go.  I was just made that way, so why should I need to change?  Yet real freedom was found in releasing them; I have become more myself as God has worked in me over time - and there is still a long way to go.

This doesn't mean there's not temptation to return to old habits.  It's easy and comfortable to sink into the old ways, to feel those old feelings, but it's not as good as freedom that comes as we surrender ourselves to God, piece by piece, and He releases us from our burdens.  I've found that the more I give to Him, the less anxious I am.  He gives us peace, even in strenuous circumstances.

It is important to move forward, claiming Christ's victory and surrendering to Him daily.  We will all do it imperfectly, but His plan for us is so much greater than anything we can try to will for ourselves.

If you know me, you'll not be shocked that I'll reference a piece of music at this point.  If you REALLY know me, you'll not be surprised that it is by a band called U2.  Maybe you've heard of them.  It's called "Walk On".  

Lord, show us what we have held back from You in our lives and give us the strength, faith, and courage to hand it over to you.  All that we see, all that we feel, all that we build, all that we break.  Show us what we can leave behind.  Amen.

And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring
And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can't leave behind

And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for one second you turn back
Oh no, be strong

Walk on, walk on
What you got they can't steal it
No, they can't even feel it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight

You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom

Walk on, walk on
What you've got they can't deny it
Can't sell it or buy it
Walk on, walk on
You stay safe tonight

And I know it aches, how your heart it breaks
You can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Home, hard to know what it is if you've never had one
Home, I can't say where it is but I know I'm going home
That's where the hurt is

And I know it aches and your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on

Leave it behind
You've got to leave it behind
All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you feel
All this you can leave behind
All that you reason
It's only time
All that you bear
No more than a feeling on my mind
All that you see
All that you wear
All that you sense
All that you scheme
All you dress up
All that you've seen
All you create
And all that you wreck
All that you hate