Hebrews 13:1-8
Another oft-quoted verse: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (v. 8) That’s a comforting thought! These time frames, “yesterday” and “today” may simply be the author’s personal reference in his own life. But “yesterday” may also refer more to Jesus’ life, His pre-incarnate life or His life here on earth. Likewise, “today” could refer to Jesus’ work here on earth through the Holy Spirit or His intersession with the Father in heaven. No matter our interpretation of the exact words, it’s a comforting thought!! Jesus is the same for all time!
So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (v. 6) …what can man do to me? There are two psalms that contain this last phrase, Ps 56:11 and Ps 118:6. Jesus also spoke to this topic: And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28) This phrase, what can man do to me? jumped off the page at me, but I can’t remember ever really being challenged for my faith. Not by supervisors, not by my subordinates, not by students, not by anyone except other Christians when we were discussing Biblical issues (or politics). Three times in the past few years I’ve had major confrontations with other Christians and I’ve had to self-examine my own positions – thankfully, Carol is here to help me reason things out. But as long as I am true to God, man can’t touch me!
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. (v. 4) We Christians are at odds with much of society on the issue of homosexuality. To me it’s confusing – not a black-or-white issue, except when it comes down to behavior: …let the marriage bed be undefiled! Herein I take the same position on homosexuality that I do on extra-marital sex – neither is appropriate behavior. God ordained man and woman, husband and wife, for marriage. That’s it. Period. And in taking such a position society calls me/us judgmental. But they’ve got it wrong. God is the one who judges, not me. I have a position on the issue, Biblically founded. Let men and women take their own positions with respect to that “marriage bed”. Individually it’s their call and their response to their Creator. I will love them and pray for them and mourn with them when their “natural instincts” burden their souls. But I cannot affirm the behavior of the sexually immoral and adulterous.
Slava Bohu!
I think you articulated this matter pretty well, Fred. I want to be understanding of those who struggle with sexuality issues, but every time I have a discussion with someone outside the church (or sometimes inside!) about this, I am immediately censured for my opinion. It can get very uncomfortable to say what I think anymore…