Hebrews 3 -- A New Lesson In Geography

The writer knew it was important to convince his Jewish brethren that Christ was greater than Moses – a pretty tall order.  “Moses was primarily the prophet of the law, while Jesus Christ is the Messenger of God’s grace… Moses was a servant in the house [the people of God] while Jesus Christ is a Son over the house  … the prophet Moses spoke about things to come, but Jesus Christ brought the fulfillment of these things …” my commentary noted.

The second of five exhortations appears here:  “He explained the danger of doubting and disbelieving the Word because of hardness of heart … When a person has an erring heart and a disbelieving heart, the result will also be a hard heart.  This is a heart that is insensitive to the Word and work of God.  So hard was the heart of Israel that the people even wanted to return to Egypt!  Imagine wanting to exchange their freedom under God for slavery in Egypt! … Every believer is tempted to give up his confession of Christ and go back into the world system’s life of compromise and bondage.  This is especially true during times of persecution and suffering.”

Finally, my commentary noted the lessons in the geography of Israel’s experiences.  Egypt was an illustration of a sinner’s bondage in this world.  Canaan (the Promised Land) represents our spiritual inheritance in Christ.  “The wilderness wonderings represent the experiences of believers who will not claim their spiritual inheritance in Christ, who doubt God’s Word and live in restless unbelief.  To be sure, God is with them … but they do not enjoy the fullness of God’s blessing.  They are ‘out of Egypt’, but they are not yet ‘in Canaan’.”

Father, help me to step fully into Your promises and to not let any disbelief prevent me from fully taking in all that You have planned for me.  Help me to be like Joshua and Caleb in my belief.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford