Today (Part 2)

TEXT:

‘While it is called “Today”’ (Hebrews 3:13)

THOUGHT:

Over 2000 years ago the Roman poet Horace coined the phrase, ”Carpe Diem”, which literally means to “seize the day”. We need to make the most of today’s opportunities because tomorrow may be too late.

Our text says, ‘While it is called “Today”’. Of the many times the word “Today” is used in the Bible, there are four I wanted to highlight so that we can give due attention to them. In Part 1, we studied how important it is not to Worry unduly about the future. Jesus said we have to think about each day without taking on board anxious concerns about tomorrow. Also the importance of making the right choice about Faith in Jesus and not to put off that decision until a later date, for we cannot be sure of tomorrow.

In this teaching we will look at two more texts that focus on “Today”.

• Obedience – ‘That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness’ (Hebrews 3:7-8 NLT)

This “Today” is mentioned two more times in Hebrews¹ and is a direct quotation of Psalm 95:7-8. It is a grave mistake for anyone to harden their heart and oppose God’s will. The more God told Pharaoh to let His people go and he refused, the harder his heart became.² His many refusals made it impossible for him to back down and release the Israelites. His rebellion left God with no choice but for drastic action culminating in the death of every Egyptian firstborn human and animal.³

Despite having seen the severity of God’s wrath on Egypt and His grace in bringing about their deliverance, the Children of Israel continually rebelled against God’s ways. Jesus put it like this, ‘If you love Me, keep my commandments’ (John 14:13). Submission not rebellion!

He also taught the following parable, ‘A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go. “Which of the two obeyed his father?” They replied, “The first.” (Matthew 21:28-31 NLT). 

It is always dangerous to claim we have done God’s will, when in fact we have only done what we wanted to do. King Saul proudly announced to Samuel he had been obedient but in reality he had listened to the people and held back from doing it exactly the way God told him to.

Samuel’s reaction must have shaken him to the core, ‘What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king’ (1 Samuel 15:22-23 NLT).

For someone reading this teaching, God has been speaking to you about a specific thing He wants you to do, but you have been dragging your heels and refusing to obey. You are saying, “I know the Lord wants me to do it, but…!” Be like the first son; you may have said no but it’s not too late to say yes.

For someone else, you promised the Lord you would do something but you have been putting it off again and again. It’s time to obey and end your rebellion. Today, turn your hesitation into action and obey! God will give the power of His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him, so they can do His will.

• Care – ‘You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God’ (Hebrews 3:13 NLT)

God asked Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He replied, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” He knew full well where Abel was, lying in the field where he had killed him⁴ instead of caring for his younger brother.

The Bible says Christians are members of the same body, Christ⁵, and should have the same care for one another. They each have a responsibility to help “pastor” the church, so that if they see someone falling into temptation and departing from God’s ways, they go and help them to repent and be restored. Thank God hardened hearts can become soft again. As Christians watch out for others, so God will ensure others will watch out for them too.

When Nehemiah came from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem, local enemies were concerned that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites.⁶ Nehemiah really cared and not only helped the nation economically and with security by rebuilding the walls, but also spiritually by emphasising praise, worship, godly living and financial support for the house of God. Once again righteousness began to exalt the nation as they started to put God first.  

Church leaders need to ensure that not only are all the church cared for pastorally, but that all the church feel they are able to approach the leadership with any concerns they may have.

Finally, let the chorus of the song “I don’t know about tomorrow” be an encouragement.

“Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand,

But I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.”

Because Jesus is the same, yesterday, and today and for ever⁷, we can with confidence put our trust in Him today!

Endnotes:

¹ Hebrews 3:15, 4:7       ² Exodus 8:15             ³ Exodus 11:4-5, 12:29-30       ⁴ Genesis 4:9-10

⁵ 1 Corinthians 12:12-27         ⁶ Nehemiah 2:10         ⁷ Hebrews 13:8