Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin,
Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong.
Daddy's hands weren't always gentle but I've come to understand -
there was always love in daddy's hands.
Lyrics by Holly Dunn
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.Hebrews 10:31
One of my pastor frequently cautioned us not to take a single verse from which to draw conclusions about what the Scripture is telling us. It is always prudent to examine the verses around it to best understand what is meant by the whole passage. He uses the saying, “Text without context is pretext,” to help us remember this concept. This verse is a prime example of one that could be totally misconstrued when taken out of context. The writer of Hebrews uses things that his audience can understand to illustrate those things that are difficult for them to accept. The book gave the Hebrews, and all others who are willing to hear, lessons in living the Christian life.
This verse carries a twofold meaning. The first is the most obvious. Based on the context starting in verse 26 of this chapter, we read about those who have access to the Gospel, but refuse to accept the Good News of Jesus Christ. “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,…” There is no hope for these people because they have chosen to treat the blood of the Covenant as if it were something common. These people have insulted and enraged the Holy Spirit by their actions. It will indeed be a “terrible thing” for them to fall into the hands of God.
When you look at this verse in the context of a believer, it takes on a different meaning. As you read the rest of this chapter, you will find that it is directed to those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. The writer cautions these believers to guard that confident trust in the Lord and have the patience to persevere, no matter what happens in their lives. These believers also have to recognize the fact that they have fallen into the hands of the living God – and they should recognize that it is a terrible thing.
How can it be terrible for a believer to be in their Father’s hands? The word translated terrible or fearful has two meanings, just as it does in English. It can be a thing to be dreaded or approached with fear and trembling, or it can be that which is to be viewed with a reverential awe. The difference is determined by one’s position. If one is approaching a holy God without the benefit of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, then be afraid – be very afraid. On the other hand, if one is approaching Abba (Daddy) as a member of the family, then the encounter is a time for praise and fellowship.
I can remember waiting for my dad to come home from work. On those “rare” occasions when I had done something I knew was going to result in punishment, I waited with fear and trembling. Not because I was afraid of my father, but because I knew that he was going to be disappointed in me. However, on those days when I had managed to avoid the normal temptations, I eagerly anticipated his arrival. It’s the same with our Christian lives. If we are carrying around unconfessed sin, we await the arrival of Father like Adam and Eve – hiding in the bushes. If we are walking in fellowship with Jesus, we can’t wait to hear our Father’s voice.
Falling into the hands of God can create fear and trembling or eager anticipation. The choice is ours.
We serve an awesome God!!!!!
Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
One of my pastor frequently cautioned us not to take a single verse from which to draw conclusions about what the Scripture is telling us. It is always prudent to examine the verses around it to best understand what is meant by the whole passage. He uses the saying, “Text without context is pretext,” to help us remember this concept. This verse is a prime example of one that could be totally misconstrued when taken out of context. The writer of Hebrews uses things that his audience can understand to illustrate those things that are difficult for them to accept. The book gave the Hebrews, and all others who are willing to hear, lessons in living the Christian life.
This verse carries a twofold meaning. The first is the most obvious. Based on the context starting in verse 26 of this chapter, we read about those who have access to the Gospel, but refuse to accept the Good News of Jesus Christ. “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,…” There is no hope for these people because they have chosen to treat the blood of the Covenant as if it were something common. These people have insulted and enraged the Holy Spirit by their actions. It will indeed be a “terrible thing” for them to fall into the hands of God.
When you look at this verse in the context of a believer, it takes on a different meaning. As you read the rest of this chapter, you will find that it is directed to those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. The writer cautions these believers to guard that confident trust in the Lord and have the patience to persevere, no matter what happens in their lives. These believers also have to recognize the fact that they have fallen into the hands of the living God – and they should recognize that it is a terrible thing.
How can it be terrible for a believer to be in their Father’s hands? The word translated terrible or fearful has two meanings, just as it does in English. It can be a thing to be dreaded or approached with fear and trembling, or it can be that which is to be viewed with a reverential awe. The difference is determined by one’s position. If one is approaching a holy God without the benefit of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, then be afraid – be very afraid. On the other hand, if one is approaching Abba (Daddy) as a member of the family, then the encounter is a time for praise and fellowship.
I can remember waiting for my dad to come home from work. On those “rare” occasions when I had done something I knew was going to result in punishment, I waited with fear and trembling. Not because I was afraid of my father, but because I knew that he was going to be disappointed in me. However, on those days when I had managed to avoid the normal temptations, I eagerly anticipated his arrival. It’s the same with our Christian lives. If we are carrying around unconfessed sin, we await the arrival of Father like Adam and Eve – hiding in the bushes. If we are walking in fellowship with Jesus, we can’t wait to hear our Father’s voice.
Falling into the hands of God can create fear and trembling or eager anticipation. The choice is ours.
We serve an awesome God!!!!!
Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
No comments:
Post a Comment