Loving Words of Challenge and Affirmation

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.” (Heb 6:9 AV)

Some might see this as a remark of disappointment.  Some may think the writer is disappointed in the Hebrews for their rejection of their Messiah.  While that might have been a feeling our writer had, it was not the motive for the statement.  Rather, the motive was meant as an encouragement to excel at that which they were called to do.  The entire book is written to the Hebrews as proof of who Jesus is to them.  The writer relies heavily on the Jewish system of worship as well as the promises made to Abraham.  The statement above is a challenge.  In a loving sort of way, the apostle is challenging them to be all they can be based on what they have.  They have sufficient proof and knowledge of the scriptures.  They have evidence from the gospels and testimony of witnesses.  They have a Gentile legal record.  They have the accounts of historians.  They have all they need.  Now, the apostle tells the Hebrews that he is personally persuaded that the Hebrews are capable of better things.

My high school career was a profound one.  I don’t know why, but most teachers went above and beyond to help me succeed.  I had a few I remember distinctly as teachers who would challenge me to do better than I was attempting.  There was our ninth grade American history teacher.  Two of my English teachers also worked hard to better my grades.  I had a mechanical drafting teacher who poured his heart into my work.  Then, there was one of the teachers who I prized above all.  It was my Photography teacher.  He had a darkroom in the classroom, and I was the only one who knew how to run it.  It was by his mentoring that I learned far more than a hobby.  He taught me to think, to interact with my world, and also how to be a mentor for others.  These teachers had several things in common.  They had a love for their students.  But they also had a commitment to help those students who responded to their instruction to be all they could be.  It is that commitment, love, and hope that change a mediocre student into one that is highly successful.

Note something even more special regarding the above passage.  Note the plural pronoun.  The apostle uses the word ‘we’.  Who is the ‘we’?  The letter to the Hebrews does not mention any author or scribe by name.  Therefore, the only way this could be understood is the author and the LORD.  Now, this is even more encouraging.  It is such a comforting thought when our parents, teachers, pastors, etc. voice a confident affirmation of our ability to mature unto Christlikeness.  They know we can.  They are persuaded that we can.  But when God tells us this, it feels overwhelmingly secure.  When the LORD tells us that He is persuaded that we are capable of good things, then we are far more apt to attempt those good things.  Praise the LORD for His confidence in His wonderful works of grace upon the saints of God.