Hebrews 13:8-15 "JESUS CHRIST the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
Wherefore JESUS also, that HE might sanctify the people with HIS OWN blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto HIM without the camp, bearing HIS reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By HIM therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to GOD continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to HIS name."
Our world is on the move. More people than ever before are moving from one place to another. Some transfers prove to be beneficial; others are disappointments. However, all of these moves, whether good or bad, are only temporary. One day, everyone will have to make the ultimate move either to Heaven or to a Devil's Hell. (Hebrews 9:27 pictured above; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:27). Our text contains a vital truth we need to understand and translate into action -- "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come" (v.14 pictured at top of post). Those who can say with the psalmist, "The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places" (Psalm 16:6) should not become so comfortable in their earthly setting that they are unwilling to move at GOD's command. On the other hand, those who occupy difficult places should be able to say with Paul, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11), and this contentment is realized when they are "rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer" (Romans 12:12).
When GOD blesses the believer with prosperity, HE gives the accompanying responsibility for the good stewardship of those temporal blessings (1st.Corinthians 4:1-2; 2nd.Corinthians 9:6-8). The LORD does not intend for wealth to be an end in itself; rather, HE desires it to be used wisely, with eternity's values in view (Matthew 25:14-30). The hard-pressed saint is often all too ready to move on to that heavenly city (John 14:1-3 pictured above), but the prosperous believer should be ready to go as well, not having his stakes driven too deeply into this earth that is rushing toward GOD's judgment (2nd.Peter 3:10-13). Indeed, this sin-cursed world is not our home, so may the way we live our life reflect this glorious fact. MHR
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
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