God Knows Your Love

Hebrews 6:7-10 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. 9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case – things that accompany salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.  
 
 THE Hebrews writer has been striving to inspire a group of Jewish believers. He wants them to know they worship the Great High Priest, Jesus. The Lord God has laid a foundation from eternity past to build them into a secure faith that can never be destroyed.
   His image of a well-watered land that produces a good crop verses a land producing thorns and thistles is a teaching straight from Jesus’ parable of the seed and sower: Mark 4:7 “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times.” As the Lord, the Hebrews messenger urged the church to be good soil.
   Even though he has been reminding them of the essentials of their faith, Hebrews says he is confident they are a good soil church. He’s a good pastor to tell the church, “You are faithful to the Lord.” They do not fall away from their faith because they are true believers. They understand Jesus is Messiah, the Son of God, come to earth to save them. Jesus is the Supreme atonement for their sins. The law led to Jesus, and he has fulfilled it.
   What is the reason for their good work? It is love, isn’t it? Hebrews compliments the church for their love for God and for their neighbor. The church is fulfilling the two greatest commandments. Our just, righteous God will remember their love-inspired good work. This is a beautiful example of 1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
   It is always good to examine our faith works. How wonderful to celebrate the ways God gives us to show his love.