Day 69

Text: Hebrews 3

"Do not harden your hearts…" Hebrews 3:8a

A FOURTH DANGER WARNED AGAINST

The author of Hebrews was not naïve concerning the sinfulness of the human heart! He knew all too well that the human heart, even if he is a believer, is in danger of:-

1. Drifting away- Hebrews 2:1

2. Neglecting the salvation spoken of by the Lord- Hebrews 2:3

3. Not holding fast- Hebrews 3:6

The fourth danger is presented in no uncertain terms.

"Do not harden your heart as in the rebellion,
in the day of trial in the wilderness,
where your fathers tested Me, tried Me,
and saw My works forty years."
Hebrews 3:8-9

IN THE WILDERNESS

This quotation from Psalm 95:7-11 harks back to the days when Moses led the children of Israel through the wilderness for forty years. We have a sad commentary of those forty years through the wilderness.

1. As in the rebellion

This word "rebellion" was the word specially chosen to describe the sinful ways of the children of Israel. Instead of grateful faith and humble obedience, Israel challenged the leadership of Moses and rebelled against the Lord time and time again!

2. Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me and saw My works forty years

Imagine putting God to the test for forty years. Seems hard to imagine that anyone can be so obdurate. Yet, this word, inspired by the Spirit of God, was faithfully recorded in the Scriptures.

THE DANGER OF HARDENING THE HEART (sklerunete tas kardias humas)

What caused Pharaoh to resist Moses s stoutly? It was because of the willful hardening of his heart! What caused the children of Israel to rebel against the Lord for forty years? The same cause must be cited! There was a hardening of the heart! Three elements may be detected in the process of the hardening of the heart:-

1. It is a willful rejection of God and His ways.

2. It is a closing of the heart to God (shutting Him out).

3. It is a deliberate choosing to listen to the dictates of the human heart.