“The Just Shall Live By Faith”

But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry.

Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”

But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 10:32-39

People who have lost the most, focus on what was not lost. When we lose something, we focus on friends and family, and we realize those things are more important than just “things.”

The writer of Hebrews reminded first-century followers of Jesus to recall how they had bravely endured persecution early in their life of faith. They stood their ground in the face of insults and oppression, standing side by side with other believers.

Their focus was not on what they had lost but on eternal things that could not be taken from them.

Jesus told His followers, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” As we focus on the Lord and all that we have in Him, even our most precious possession can be held lightly.

Where is your focus today?

Our Daily Bread – October 28, 2015