Proper 28 (B), November 16, 2003

Imagine you lived near Jerusalem either shortly before or soon after the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. How would this momentous event influence your faith? This might be the very setting for the writing of Hebrews. Add to that the "delay" in Christ’s expected return. What words of encouragement would "lift one’s spirits?" In our passage the author suggests "The Task that Christ Completed" and "The Tasks that Continue for Us."

Christ’s Work is Complete

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Our author reflects on the efforts of the priests who daily go about their temple duties. In the temple there is no chair; no place for the priests to rest. This is evidence of their "on-going" unfinished efforts. Their redemptive work continues on a daily basis. But when Christ completed his work ". . . He sat down . . ." (vs. 12) He sits at the Father’s right hand!

From the cross His word, "It is finished!," is now triumphantly completed! He sits and He waits for the defeat of His enemies! Is this the final victory? And nothing more to be done? No, not at all. While His work is completed, ours has only begun! The transition? (vs. 19)

Therefore . . .

Our Work for Him Continues

As Christ has now completed His work, the text suggests five expectations of us in response. Each begins with "Let us . . ."

1) Let Us Approach: ". . . draw near . . ." (vs. 22)

2) Let Us Abide: ". . . hold unswervingly . . ." (vs. 23)

3) Let Us Arouse: ". . . consider how we may ‘spur’ one another to love and good deeds . . ." (vs. 24)

4) Let Us Assemble: ". . . not give up meeting together . . ." (vs. 25)

5) Let Us Assist: ". . . encourage one another . . ." (vs. 25)

We live in a "postmodern" world. As in A.D. 70 our predictable stable structures of school, church, family, community no longer provide security. In times of discouragement, when the stable structures are collapsing around us, we need to hear, to be reminded, to re-experience Christ’s completed work and this five-fold expectation of us.

As I was preparing this message, a young single mother called me for counseling. In a relationship that was painful and sinful, her life as she described it was "empty." She had long since dropped out of church. In fact, her past church experience had been defeating, demanding, de-humanizing. Since she had given up drugs some months before, she was now "lonely. I don’t have friends anymore." Christ has done His part on her behalf. But what of us?

Look again at the progression! Even the ordering of them is suggestive. Approach Christ! Abide in Him! Arouse God’s people to acts of love! Assemble together for mutual fellowship and support. Then Assist; encourage!

Do we put Christ and our relationship with Him first? Do we invest ourselves in enriching that relationship? Do we then commit ourselves to the helpful, enriching relationships with others in our faith community? For then and only then do we come to the place of supporting; encouraging; comforting others.

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Sermon brief provided by Earl J. Nichols, Pastor, Garden Community Church, Bradenton, FL