Beginning in Hebrews 10:19, the Apostle Paul turns his attention to the practical application of the principles he laid out earlier in the book. The doctrine of salvation by free and sovereign grace is our motivation, giving us reason to strive to live in a way that is acceptable to God. He explains that if we commit to serving the Lord Jesus Christ, it must be every day of our lives until He calls us home. Serving Christ is not easy, as we face many tribulations, but we should be willing to lose everything, knowing that we have a better and enduring substance in Heaven. Elder Chris encourages us to remember that there are only a few more experiences to press through in this life.

Joseph enjoyed a blessed time with his father before he was taken to the land of Egypt, a place of bondage. Elder Chris reflects on the fellowship and glory that existed between God the Father and the Son before the Son laid it aside to come into our fallen world and experience death. He came into this place of sin and bondage where we were, so that we might live with Him in a far better place.

In Hebrews 10, the Apostle Paul begins to conclude his doctrinal argument that the New Testament is superior to the Old. The Old Testament was only a shadow of the good things to come. Its sacrifices provided a broad shadow pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ. They served as a reminder of sin, but they could not take sin away. Because of this, something greater was needed. Jesus Christ offered one sacrifice for sin and then sat down at the right hand of God, showing that His work was complete.

In Matthew 8, the Lord Jesus Christ stopped to help a Gentile Roman centurion. The man addressed Jesus as “Lord,” acknowledged that he was not worthy to receive Him, and asked for help on behalf of his servant. Jesus marveled at his faith, healed the servant, and then taught that the children of the kingdom of Heaven were not limited to the house of Israel, but would come from all nations.

Because Jacob loved Joseph so deeply, his brothers hated him. Even in his youth, Joseph displayed wisdom and a gracious spirit, and he received many blessings. Likewise, Jesus had the love of the Father from the beginning. The Father gave Him all power and authority over creation. Elder Chris reflects on how Jesus removed every barrier, freely granting us blessings. Because of the love between the Father and the Son, we will praise Him forever.

Elder Tim turns to 2 Kings 6, where Elisha’s servant is alarmed to see an army surrounding them. But Elisha prays that his servant’s eyes would be opened so that he could see the heavenly host protecting them. Elder Tim explains that when our eyes are opened, we can clearly see our Shepherd caring for us. He guides and instructs us along life’s path. When we truly see what He has done for us, we are encouraged to walk more closely with our Shepherd.