The speaker gave an update on his work for SASRA, and
encouraged everyone to pray for this. They are having great results, but it is
a huge harvest field with such few labourers involved.
Hebrews ch10 vs19 -25
In the sport of baseball, there is a particularly difficult
ball to face. It is called the “curveball”, and the pitcher causes it to
sharply deviate as it reaches the batter. It is unexpected and most difficult
to react to.
Life can often throw us a curveball too!
All manner of things can knock us sideways when we least
expect them.
The Christian people in tonight’s passage were having a hard
time and questioning much. But in Jesus Christ we have a great high priest who
knows all our needs and troubles. He knows Himself what it is like to have many
sorrows and to weep.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to
sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted
as we are, yet without sin”
- Hebrews ch4 vs15
-
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and
acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was
despised, and we esteemed him not”
- Isaiah ch53 vs3
“My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death…”
- Matthew’s Gospel ch26 vs38
The Lord Jesus Christ even went through an agonising death
that we might have life.
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that
we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been
healed”
- 1st Peter ch2 vs24
However, these Christian people heard a great message of
truth and encouragement from the apostle, for all their doubts and troubles…
a. (vs22) they were told to draw near to Jesus Christ in
full assurance of faith. They could have full confidence in Him - who loved
them and gave Himself for them!
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you”
- James ch4 vs8
Dear reader, whatever your own personal troubles may be,
always take it to The Lord in prayer first. He knows you better than you even
know yourself! He is full of love, grace and mercy, and will never turn you
away. Never stop sharing your heart with Him, and read His Word daily. If you
are struggling with problems, even just a verse or two each day can bring a great peace.
A palm tree is able to withstand terrific storms because it
is so deep rooted - and likewise, we are much more able to handle our own
storms of life if we are firmly rooted in The Lord Jesus Christ and His Word.
b. (vs23) Hold fast to Jesus Christ, because He who promised
is faithful!
Be prepared for those storms, cling to Him and He will uphold
you and give you peace,
“Will your anchor hold in the storms of life
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain”?
“We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love”
(Excerpt from hymn by P.J.Owens)
c. (vs24) Stir each other up!
Stimulate one another
into a deeper, fuller service for The Lord.
“Let brotherly love continue”
- Hebrews ch13 vs1
d. (vs25) Regularly meet with like-minded people!
Take time and effort to look after your brothers and sisters
in Christ. We are all His precious flock. Pray earnestly. Visit those who are
home-bound.
We are a special team in what is a great spiritual
battlefield, and need one another’s support.
Dear reader, do you know this loving, faithful Saviour?
Please commit yourself to Him without further delay. Turn away from your sins
and put you faith and trust in God’s Son. He will forgive you and His shed
blood will cleanse you from the penalty of your sins against Him.
1) What
a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
2) Have
we trials and temptations?
Is their trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness:
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3) Are
we weak and heavy – laden?
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our
refuge,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake
thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield
thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
(Hymn by J.M.Scriven)
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