Verse of the Day for October 28

Tucked into the middle of verse twenty three is a phrase in brackets: for he is faithful that promised. It looks like an aside. It is actually the foundation of the whole sentence.

The command is to hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering. That sounds as if everything depends on our grip. But the bracket tells you why you can hold on. Not because your hands are strong, but because the one who promised does not let go of his word.

This letter was written to believers who knew the cost was real. Some had been mocked in public, some had lost their property, some had friends in prison. Holding fast was not easy for them. The writer never says it will be easy. He says God is faithful.

Notice too that the commands all begin with Let us. Draw near. Hold fast. Then, let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. Endurance under cost is not a solo effort. We hold on partly by watching out for each other.

If following Christ is costing you something, laughter in the staff room, a cold silence at the family gathering, do not carry it alone. Tell someone in your church. Let them help you hold on.

Holding fast rests on God's faithfulness more than on your strength.

Someone near you may need you to notice what their faith is costing them.