I want to be upfront with all of you, letting you know that this week’s lesson and article are deeply woven in both last week’s lesson and something going on this week; that is, my son Dennis’s birthday. Another year has passed, making it four years now since we have heard from him. It is during times like this that anxiousness can rear its ugly head, thus it is important to meditate (dwell on) certain things: things that are truth, noble, just, pure, lovely…you get the idea. So, today I want to plant a seed, a truth that is powerful when focused on. It has not the capacity to change the situation but has every ability to change how you journey through it.
I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5
Promises, promises. I will meet you there at such and such a time. We live in a world of so many promises, many of which are broken. Maybe this is why such words from God are guardedly received. Dwight L. Moody once said, “God never made a promise that was too good to be true.” We can go back to Deuteronomy 31:6 & 8 and find these very words of encouragement spoken by Moses to Israel and to Joshua as the time to claim the Promised Land draws closer. Like them, we too are on a journey towards the promised land. There will be times of testing and so the exhortation to walking faithfully is seen in Hebrews 13:1-5. How we conduct ourselves is so important, but not as important of realizing God’s promise. He will never leave you; that is, not to uphold, let sink. He will never forsake you; that is, to leave in straits, leave helpless. NEVER!!! Some want to suggest that this is proof of one’s absolute salvation and although tempted, I wish in this message not to be distracted from my intent; which is, to hear God’s promise to us as we journey homeward. I will never leave or forsake you! There will be times in this walk of ours, where we will echo the words of the psalmist, “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1). God’s presence will be questioned if not doubted.
It is during such times that we need to cling to His promise that he will be and is, always there for us. Through dark times and wayward times, He is always at work wanting to help us as we journey homeward. Maybe that is the writer of Hebrews follows this promise with these words, “So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6). It is true, God will never leave any of us, nor will He forsake us. It’s the truth! Think about that and may He bless you with His assurance this day.
Dennis
Biddeford Church of Christ 