A Scottish explorer was the first Westerner to witness “the smoke that thunders”. Staring in awe at this mighty torrent of water, he renamed it “Victoria Falls”. David Livingstone (1813–73) wasn’t just an explorer but a missionary in Africa. He spent many years sharing his faith and fighting against slavery, writing in a letter sent back home that “the gospel is the power of God” to bring real change.
Like the thunderous impact of standing before Victoria Falls, we might be a bit awestruck by heroes of the faith such as Livingstone. In fact, they can leave us wondering, But what if my life is quiet rather than dynamic? What if my serving is unseen?
The letter of Hebrews encourages us with the promise that God “will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10). God sees and remembers everything done in His name. This truth can spur us on to “show this same diligence to the very end” in everything that we do (v. 11), whether it feels dynamic or not.
To work meaningfully we don’t need to preach to multitudes, free prisoners or discover new lands. No matter what acts of service we do today, let’s “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (v. 12). Everything done in Jesus’ name is seen and celebrated in heaven.
By Chris Wale
REFLECT & PRAY
What service do you do for God? How does knowing He doesn’t forget your acts encourage you, especially if your work goes unnoticed?
Loving God, my service to You is far from perfect but I also know that You see and value me. Thank You for equipping me to serve.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The author of Hebrews is widely debated. Among those proposed are Barnabas and Paul. Our anonymous author often encourages his readers (most likely Jewish Christians) to endure and remain faithful. Today’s passage from Hebrews exhorts readers not to be “lazy” but to diligently work (6:11–12). The English Standard Version renders the word lazy as “sluggish” or “dull,” which seems to better fit the passage’s theme: to encourage perseverance, despite persecution, until “the very end.” In order to persevere, Christians cannot afford to grow “sluggish” in their faith. They need to diligently stand strong and keep serving others ( vv. 10-11). In order to help them along in their pursuit, they’re encouraged to “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (v. 12).
Alyson Kieda
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