Hebrews 3:13-19 — Big "But"

READ THIS: Hebrews 3:13-19

13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. 15 As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” 16 Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? 19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

Since today's verses start with the word- "but," we should look back at the last verse of yesterday to know what the "but" is all about! Verse 12 says, "Watch out, brothers and sisters, so that there won't be any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God." So, when verse 13 says to "encourage each other daily," the encouragement is what helps each other remain faithful, that is how important encouraging words are!

This passage also references the Exodus story from yesterday again, referencing Psalms 95 again as well. It warns us against hearing God's voice and then still turning away from Him and hardening our hearts. When it asks those questions in 16-18, it is referring how the people Moses led out of Egypt were literally being led by God in a cloud and a pillar of fire, and yet they still turned away. We should take this as a warning against turning away from God, without God we will not find rest.

BUT! There is still hope in this, because the reverse of that is if we turn TO God, we will find so much rest and peace! In Matthew 11:28-30 it says, "Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Is there a time you can remember when someone's encouraging words helped you remain faithful?
 
2. What do you think "hardening your heart towards God" means? What can you do to soften your heart?

TRY THIS:

The next time you notice someone turning away from God or sinning, meet them with a genuine word of encouragement and see how it changes their mood and also how it makes you feel!

SONG OF THE WEEK:
 
This week, we see how Jesus lived His life and that points us to living our lives differently! Think about this concept through the song of the week!




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