Remember when...

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"Remember when..."

How often do we use this phrase when we’re reminiscing about the good old days? Usually when we refer to the “good old days,” we’re talking about a time we perceive as simpler - or as easier, perhaps. 

The author of Hebrews does this in chapter 10. But the “good old days” he’s calling to mind are a little different than our understanding of the “good old days.” He says, “Recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.”

In other words, “Remember those days when life was terribly hard but you clung to your belief? When you sacrificed because of your faith but had compassion on those around you? When you and your friends were persecuted but joyfully accepted it? When you struggled but had confidence it was purposeful? When you knew that it was all worth it because of Jesus?”

Remember when you believed He was enough so deeply that everything else paled in comparison? Remember all the times He’s been faithful to you?

Remember when Christ was your first love?

Think about that time. Dwell on Him. Cling to Him.

That’s not it, though. The author of Hebrews isn’t finished.

“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised...we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”

evelation 3:3 says, "Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent..."

Philippians 3:16 says, "Only let us hold true to what we have attained." 

Hang on, friends. Your faith is battle-tested. Don’t shrink back. Let's not throw away our confidence in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. No matter what life throws at us, may we press on. May we return to our first love. May we allow Him to preserve our souls. For we have a better possession, and an enduring one. Let's keep our eyes on the prize.

With love and great joy,