- you have need -

Last night at a youth ministry gathering commonly referred to as the Cabin, we had the joy of praying for and sending off a student to a semester of study in worldview training in Colorado. That in and of itself may not sound too significant, but a brief explanation of the person and situation will serve the context.

This particular student happens to be a recent High School grad and on the bubble of decision which so many his age face. The decision for him to head off to do a semester of ministry and worldview training was not arrived at lightly and likely will not be an easy task. On his mind is sacrifice...coupled with confidence. He is sacrificing a semester (or more) of time that could be spent in school on the career track leading to a wife, 2.5 children, a well paying job and a white picket fence.

Now, before you jump to conclusions and think that my writing is a some sort of favoritism megaphone, let me spell out for you the example this young man of faith (and I do think he has great faith) is setting for us. In Hebrews 10 confidence to meet continually with Jesus was outlined because some believers at the time were trying sort of a hybrid faith thing; combining Judaism and Christianity. They were putting their confidence in their flesh (or ability to provide and sustain their faith).

The exhortation from the author comes by way of appeal - (v35)"Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward." Their confidence was found way back in verse 19 - "the blood of Jesus." And why was he appealing? The beginning of v36 reveals it, "For you have need of endurance..."

So, as this student steps out in faith to do what God has called him to do he will have need of endurance. That endurance will be found not in his ability to sustain faith or good favor with God. Rather, that endurance is intrinsically linked to Jesus' blood and sacrifice.