Scripture

Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe that it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation.

Observation

Ground that soaks up the rain and bears a good crop for the farmer has God’s blessing. But if a field is useless, the farmer will burn it.

Even though the author is talking like this, he says that he doesn’t believe it applies to them. They are meant for better things, to walk in the fullness of salvation.

His great desire is that they continue to care for other believers. They will be following the example of those who inherit God’s promises.

Application

Sometimes Christian leaders can seem harsh and unloving to their followers. The leaders themselves can be discouraged because their people seem so far behind where they should be.

This is because many leaders have high ideals for their churches. They love God passionately and have such a close relationship with the Lord, and they want everyone to be in the same place they are so that they can have the same joy.

I sometimes am tempted to feel that way about my congregation. I fell let down sometimes by people who don’t live up to my expectations.

But then I think seriously about them, and I see people who love the Lord as passionately as I do, who use their gifts to bless other people, who share the gospel with unbelieving friends, and who give generously to the church and to missions.

Like the writer to the Hebrews, I have to say, ” I don’t really believe that this applies to you.” Of course, we all have room for improvement, but that is the Holy Spirit’s job, not the pastor’s.

Prayer

Thank you Father for the privileges of salvation and of serving you. Thank you for my brothers and sisters you share the journey with me. Amen.