Monday, December 7, 2009

Cast Not Away Your Confidence

“So do not lose courage you had in the past, which has
great reward” (Hebrews 10:35 ncv).

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath
great recompense of reward” (Hebrews 10:35 kjv).
Confidence means a strong belief and trust and something
told as a secret. Cast mean throw away.

To grasp the deep meaning of Heb. 10:35, we need to read this part of Hebrews 10:32-34. “Remember those days in the past when you first learned the truth.You had a hard struggle with many sufferings, but you continued strong. 33 Sometimes you were hurt and attacked before crowds of people, and sometimes you shared with those who were being treated that way. 34 You helped the prisoners. You even had joy when all that you owned was taken from you, because you knew you had something better and more lasting.”

Do you ever felt like you have suffered more when you first heard the truth which is the gospel of Jesus Christ? You used to have a lot of friends, but now it seems some of them have hurt and attacked your faith in Jesus Christ? Do you ever tried to help those new friends who were also attacked by others who made fun of them for having Jesus Christ in their lives?

In Paul’s time, some of the wealthy Christians had lost their homes and were taken to prison because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Others had taken over their wealth. Paul had heard that they still have joy even when they lost their homes or things because they knew in their heart that there was something better in heaven for them. Paul encouraged us not to “Cast or throw away your confidence” and do not lose courage what we had in the past. Look forward to the reward for what we have done for the Lord’s work. God’s Word comes to us what we need to hear and be encouraged in Him that we are not alone. God will reward us. Let us trust Him!

Song: Cast Not Away Your Confidence
I believe the answers on the way.
I believe the Lord has heard me pray.
Cast not away your confidence, says the Lord thy God.
Now by faith in Him alone I stand.
Firmly held by His almighty hand.
Fully, trusting in His promise, praise the Lord.
(Song collection by author unknown)