Lettuce is a healthy choice food choice, isn’t it? It definitely deserves a place at the table. This morning I read the book of Hebrews, and
was struck by how much “lettuce” there was!
Okay, it’s not real lettuce – but statements of “let us” – and I just wanted to write
down the verses because they are worth repeating.
I do have to say that it is important to read the whole book
to truly understand the importance of these verses. Many of them have “therefore” in them – which
should make us ask: “What is that there
for?” Hebrews is a book full of reasons
why Jesus is BETTER than anything the Israelites had known before (the old
covenant, the old priestly system, the old sacrificial system, etc.). And since He is better – therefore, LET US:
·
“Therefore, since the promise of entering his
rest still stands, let us be
careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.”(4:1)
·
“Let
us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no
one will perish by following their example of disobedience.” (4:11)
·
“Therefore, since we have such a great high
priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is
unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted
in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin. Let
us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that
we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (4:14-16)
·
“Therefore, let
us move beyond elementary teachings about Christ and be taken
forward to maturity…” (6:1)
·
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have
confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and
living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we
have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with
the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us
from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised
is faithful. And let us consider how we may
spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting
together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all
the more as we see the Day approaching.”
(10:19-25)
·
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a
great cloud of witnesses, let us
throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let
us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes
on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the
cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from
sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (12:1-3)
·
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom
that cannot be shaken, let us
be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for ‘our
God is a consuming fire’.” (12:28-29)
·
“Let
us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but
we are looking for the city that is to come.
Through Jesus, therefore, let
us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of
lips that openly profess His name. And
do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God
is pleased.” (13:13-16)
He’s deserving of all of that, isn’t He? When we truly look at all He’s done, our
response (besides utter thankfulness) should be all of the above.
Let us. J
Thanks, Kid!
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