I have started working through the book of Hebrews and this morning I read through Hebrews 6. Within this chapter a lot has to do with Knowing God or knowing about God (as it is described with an insert in my bible). A section of this chapter that stood out for me was from verse 7-12. It reads as follows:
“7Some people are like land that gets plenty of rain. The land produces a good crop for those who work it, and it receives God’s blessing. 8Other people are like land that grows thorns and weeds and is worthless. It is about to be cursed by God and will destroyed by fire. 9Dear friends, we are saying this to you, but we really expect better things from you that will lead to your salvation. 10GOD IS FAIR; HE WILL NOT FORGET THE WORK YOU DID AND THE LOVED YOU SHOWED HIM BY HELPING HIS PEOPLE. AND HE WILL REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE STILL HELPING THEM. 11We want each of you to go on with the same hard work all your lives so you will surely get what you hope for. 12We do not want you to become lazy. Be like those who through faith and patience will receive what God has promised.” A few things stand out for me in this piece.
Firstly how people are compared to land. As we all know land is of vital importance in the production of vital food for us as humans and also animals. If the land is spoiled or does not have the correct make up the crops and the end products is not of great quality.
Secondly, the land that receives plenty of rain (good input) produces a good crop and particularly for those whom have worked for it, and it will receive God’s blessing. This is the same for us as humans in that if we receive the correct ‘information’, support, advice and we work towards a life full of God and to adhere to His commands, advice expected way of living, we too will receive his blessings.
Thirdly, the some individuals are like a land that grows thorns and weeds and is worthless. This is true especially with individuals who harvest bad thoughts, who follow ill advice, whom don’t follow God’s teachings and don’t meet the necessary expectations.
Fourthly, the harshness of the words in verse 8. ‘… and is worthless. It is about to be cursed by God and will be destroyed by fire.’ This is very harsh and straight to the point something that we often do not want to be faced with, directness. But as it says if we don’t follow and do what is expected of us, we will be treated accordingly and it won’t be pleasant. This links back to a previous post of mine where I mentioned about the harshness of fire and the fact it has the power to destroy.
Fifthly, the verse that can and should bring us affirmation and reassurance that if we don’t what is expected on us that we will be treated FAIRLY because God is Fair and he wont forget the work we have done and love showed to others.
Finally, the command and expectation set for us as believers. This entails going to do the same hard work for all of our lives, not becoming lazy and if through applying faith and patience in our work we will received what has been promised to us by God. This is a really encouraging thought but along with is the challenge is set. If we take up that challenge we must be prepared to do this for the rest of our lives on earth, ensuring we follow God with unconditional faith and allow for patience as at the right time God will show and provide to us.
This passage made me think of the parable of the planting the Seed (This is found in Matthew 13). We are humans need to remember that “what we sow, we shall reap” so it is important for us to be sowing the right things in the right places and through the belief we have in what we are doing and not rushing God for action we will reap the rewards. So as sportsmen and women what are we sowing and in return setting ourselves up to reap. As sportsmen we are always exposed to having to apply quite often both faith and patience in our training and competing. So this is something we should be used to! So why not do the same for Christ?
SB
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