Daily D – Hebrews 5:11; 6:12

by | Dec 21, 2022 | Daily D | 0 comments

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Hebrews 5:11  We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. (NIV)

Hebrews 6:12  We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (NIV)

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Hard truth: Many (Most?) Christians are lazy in theology and discipleship.

Harder truth: Pastors who foster dependence on themselves facilitate laziness. 

Hardest truth: Churches who attempt to provide for every need except for discipleship hinder disciples’ growth and development.

There is a fitting alternative. Mary, the mother of Jesus, helps us. Begin reading Luke’s Gospel at 1:26. Read all the way through Luke 2:52. 

Mary has important things to say in Luke 1. 

Listen to them.

Mary has important things to ponder in Luke 2. 

Join her.

Take a look at 2:19:

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

See also 2:51:

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.

Lazy Christians do not ponder deep truths often enough or deeply enough. 

Growing Christians ponder new truths and old day by day. 

The best gift of Christmas is a commitment to spend time alone with God day by day. Old truths and new insights lead us into ever-deeper realizations of how good God is and how gracious he wants to be for us in each moment we are alert and awake and in every evening when we recline in restful repose. 

Gifts will be exchanged soon. Some of those will come and go with no lasting effect. Others will become treasures to ponder for the rest of our lives. 

Jesus is the gift of Christmas. 

This is a good time to begin pondering all this means. John 3:16 is a faithful guide and aid for our reflection. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus is the gift who keeps on giving. 

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I will ponder Jesus.

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Our Father, grow us in the grace of time and place, time alone with you, reserved seats where we meet day by day. Blow across the embers of old and dear truths. Light our lives with truths we have not yet fully comprehended. Bless us with unhurried moments of sweet communion and deepening devotion. Amen. 

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