DOES YOUR LIFE SHOW FAITH IN THE MESSIAH?

The writer of Hebrews says to his readers, “By this time you ought to be teachers” (Hebrews 5:12).

These are strong, bold words. Who exactly is the writer addressing here? In short, who is he rebuking? The book of Hebrews shows us he is speaking for the most part to Jewish Believers who had attended synagogue every Sabbath and heard the entire O.T. scriptures explained to them every year. They were well-schooled in scriptural truth. In other words, those reading this letter had sat under powerful preaching by many ribbi's.

Consider all that these believers had been taught; not only by the Rabbi's, but by the apostles, and the leading elders in their assemblies:

• They knew about Jesus’ high priesthood and his intercession for them at God’s throne.
• They knew of Jesus invitation to come boldly before the throne to find mercy and grace in their time of need.
• They had been taught that a supernatural rest was available to them.
• They knew the lord Jesus was touched with the feelings of their infirmities.
• They knew the Messiah had been tempted in all points as they were, yet he remained without sin.
• They had been exhorted, “Hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end” (3:6).
• They had received clear warning of how unbelief grieves God's Spirit: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (3:12).

All this is found in the first four chapters of Hebrews and now, in chapter 5, the writer addresses those gathered: “After all this sound teaching, you are still dull of hearing and need someone to teach you.”

Does this apply to you? Think of all that has been learned by this present generation of Christians. How many sermons have we heard that challenge us to trust Yehovah in all things? How many times have we heard God’s incredible promises preached? And yet, how often are we quickly deflated when a trial comes?

Beloved brothers and sisters, what is your life saying to those around you? How does your book of life read? Are you a witness in hard times, ministering to others by your example? It is impossible to keep faith without boldly going to the throne of God in prayer for all you need. I urge you to go to Yehovah daily for all the mercy you need. He is calling you forth as one of his witnesses - teachers!

Written by David Wilkerson and edited by Bruce Lyon.