Three weeks ago, in this season of loss, the elders decided to step out of Matthew and take three weeks to focus on hope, heaven, and endurance.
On June 7th, Matt encouraged us that the ascension inspires hope because Jesus is physically and bodily in heaven. And like Jesus, we will physically and bodily be resurrected and live with him in the new heaven and the new earth forever.
On June 14th, Andy reminded us that being in-Christ transforms the way we view death. We hate death. Death is not okay. But death doesn’t win. Jesus died to destroy death itself.
Even with hope and a transformed view of death, we can still struggle. Getting out of bed, waking up, can feel like an achievement. Suffering can wear us down. So where can we find a message of encouragement and endurance during suffering? The book of Hebrews.
22-1/2 years ago, Peter preached through Hebrews and creatively summarized the entire book in only six words: Keep at it, he’s worth it. Keep at it, endure, hold fast, keep going. He’s worthy. Jesus is worth it. Jesus is better during suffering. Jesus being better is the fuel of endurance.
The author of Hebrews writes to a suffering group of Jewish believers, describing in great detail over and over how Jesus is better. An extended conversation at one point, even, that Jesus is better than their old sacrificial system.
In this letter, we’re going to hear the hope of ascension. Jesus is in heaven on our behalf right now. We will see Jesus destroy the devil in death. So our sermon for today is going to be to listen to the entire book of Hebrews.
22-1/2 years ago, when Peter preached it, I memorized it, so I’m going to quote it for you. I have a favor to ask: As I quote it, would you not look down at a Bible or a device?
I’ve been to other churches to quote the book. I was at a little church in West Virginia. There was a couple literally on the front row. As I was quoting it, they were each looking at the Bible, and they would point out when I would switch words or say words.
Ever since then, I’ve had to ask people not to look because if you look, I’m going to feel like I’m making mistakes, and then I’ll get all in my head and get screwed up. If I do kind of get mixed up, I’ll walk over to my iPad. I won’t make up the Bible. I’ll go over, figure out where I am, and we’ll go from there.
It’ll also help you to look up, because I will try to place things, so to speak, on stage visually, so that you understand what the author is talking about.
Brothers and sisters, I really believe that our collective mourning in the past several weeks with the loss of Karen Hubbard, in all of my conversations, one of the things that’s happened is that loss has reminded people of other losses. I’m kind of convinced that everyone in here could use a message of encouragement and endurance that Jesus is better and that you can hold on.
To begin, would you be willing to say this six-word phrase out loud with me? Maybe with a little bit of energy? That’s how we’ll start. Sorry for the noise that’ll make when I take a drink. Ready? Keep at it, he’s worth it!
