“For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater to swear by, he swore by himself: 14 I will indeed bless you, and I will greatly multiply you.[a] 15 And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham obtained the promise. 16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and for them a confirming oath ends every dispute. 17 Because God wanted to show his unchangeable purpose even more clearly to the heirs of the promise, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us.”
Hebrews 6:13-20, CSB
SEIZE THE HOPE
Last spring, I was finishing up a degree with two classes which included a study in the book of Acts. I was studying for academics purposes at the time, but decided that I would love to do a personal/devotional study as well. Once my husband and I finished our study, that’s exactly what I was able to do using the She Reads Truth study. I love that their studies are wholly scripture-based and reflective. (If you have never done one of their studies, you should check them out here!)
As I was reading in Acts 4, I was moved by the telling of the place where the church was assembling was physically shaking from the power of prayer. After this, the Spirit filled their hearts and they went on preaching the Gospel without fear. When the Spirit gave the congregation boldness to preach the gospel, I was encouraged and reminded that the Spirit gives us power to speak the truth boldly.
Aren’t you thankful that we don’t have to muster up that courage alone?
What is even more amazing is that the church in the book of Acts was already clinging to the promise that they could boldly approach the throne of grace. They had displayed this and their faith was made stronger by the Spirit who then enabled them to preach the hope of the Gospel. The hope through Jesus Christ.
In Acts 5, we see the story of Ananias and his wife, Sapphira. For those who may not know, both died instantly because of a lie they told in order keep back land for themselves that they had promised to God and also to look spiritual among the church. Of course the church was fearful after an event like this! I can’t imagine witnessing that moment. What a sad and sobering story that reminds us that God is just and that we cannot live falsely without punishment.
But look up at the verse you read at the beginning! Hebrews reminds us that God has done something wonderful…He has promised a way. He swore against Himself that He would provide forgiveness and restoration to Himself…and He did just that through the blood of Jesus Christ who has paid the price for us! And guess what, unlike Ananias and Sapphira, God cannot lie! This gospel hope is what we should SEIZE and praise Him for!
I find such comfort in the thought that we can seize the hope of the gospel and sobered that I haven’t always invited others to do the same. Who do you know that needs this hope? Do they know that God loves them and has made a way for them to have a relationship with Himself? What will you share with those who are lost and hurting today? Don’t wait. Seize the opportunity. Ask God to have the Spirit give you boldness.
Seize the gospel hope of Christ!
Beyond the Road Less Traveled 