↓Audio link to the sermon:
First of all, I would like to look back on some of God’s promises in this book that we have learned so far. After Christ had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (1: 3). By his death, Christ might break the power of him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil. (2:14). He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears for us. (5: 7). Christ was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.(5:10). I believe that each of them has given us a great encouragement and new revelation.
Now, today’s passage teaches us three things. Firstly, Jesus will not forget our work, secondly, we Christians are chosen by God, just as Abraham was chosen, and thirdly, Christ is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Let’s take a closer look.
Hebrews 6:10 says,「God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.」
The background of this passage is that many oversea churches helped poor Christians in Israel with donations. Christians still help each other across nationalities and races. God is pleased with his children helping each other. Verse 11 continues,「We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.」I believe this hope is the one of achieving salvation. Verse 9 says,「…we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation.」
The author encourages the readers to have a compassionate heart, and the hope of achieving salvation, in order for that, to inherit what has been promised through faith and patience. As a matter of fact, you all know that Abraham was the great person of faith who lived in that way. Abraham receives God’s blessing in Genesis 12: 1-3. 「I’ll surely bless you and give you many descendants.」(Hebrews 6:14 NIV)
But, as in verse fifteen, 「And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.」(Hebrews 6:15 NIV)
Looking at the Book of Genesis, we can see that the promise of having a child (Isaac, the Son of Faith) was really time consuming and challenging. Also, his trial of offering Isaac must be more painful and difficult than we could imagine. But Abraham overcame the trial of faith. From God’s point of view, it is also the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and the fulfillment of God’s oath (17). Through this passage, we want to be aware of this truth that God’s promises and His oaths will never change.
Hebrews 6:20 says「where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.」It means Jesus entered the Holy of Holies of Heaven, and this verse states that we can enter it someday as our forerunner has entered it. Verse 19 says,「We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,」(Hebrews 6:19 NIV)
Jesus entered the Holy of Holies in heaven and he prepares an anchor to hold us there. Large ships can stay there because of the anchors. This Hope is Jesus, who will be an anchor in the Holy of Holies of Heaven and he will hold us firmly. That’s what this passage speaks to us, believers. God’s calling and His promise of salvation never change. Even though we face difficulties, we want to hold on to our hope and inherit what has been promised through faith and patience.
日本語