Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened. —Dr. Seuss
A young woman recently shared that she was in an unknown season of her life. She suspected God was birthing something great in the heart of her family, but the wait seemed endless, and there were too many unknowns in this God-sized idea. Tired of waiting and feeling nervous about what was coming, she decided to apply for grad school. She was good at studying and not so good at trusting.
Have you ever been tempted to revert back to that which is comfortable? If so, you’re in good company. The audience of the book of Hebrews struggled too.
Many of the first believers had left Judaism—a national and religious identity—to follow Jesus. They knew Judaism, they loved Judaism, and yet they left it all for Jesus.
The grandeur of the temple faded into living room gatherings. The music and festivals were traded for persecution and ridicule. As the newness wore off and reality set in, these first believers were tempted to return to that which they’d left behind.
But about this time, a document started circulating. It started like a sermon and ended like a letter, and today we call this book of the Bible Hebrews. The author of Hebrews had a concern: drifting within the body of Christ.
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. (Hebrews 2:1)
Phrased differently, “I know you left that behind, but THIS is better! Jesus is better!”
Most of us have left some things behind in order to follow Jesus. And sometimes, those old things in all their familiarity and comfort come calling. So what is that thing in your life right now—that thing that’s tempting you to go back?
Because we don’t have to drift, we’ve heard all we need, and what’s more, we aren’t left alone in this call to attention. We have the Spirit to steady us.
So rather than drift, let’s discover what it is about Jesus that makes Him so much better.
Jesus, turn my face toward You! Show me the areas where I am tempted to drift from the adventurous life of faith and return to a place of comfort apart from You. Amen.