June 8, 2024

Scripture: Hebrews 12:15 – “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”

What it means

What a sad thing to consider…that anybody would end falling short of God’s grace. He offers it to all of us, and yet there are some that will opt for another door.The example offered in the very next few verses, 16-17, was Esau, who infamously traded in his birthright for a bowl of lentil soup. When it came time to cash in his birthright, it was gone – the sad commentary at the end of verse 17 is “he could not change what he had done.” He made a bad decision, and as much as we would like to turn back the hands of time…it’s simply not possible, and it ended up costing Esau greatly.

What it means to me

The advice is the same for you and I today. We are all forced to make decisions in life – sometimes we choose wisely, and sometimes not so much. It’s okay, it’s a part of life – sometimes we mess up despite our best intentions. But…do your absolute best to ensure that you never pass on the grace of God, and when you are dealing with others, to encourage them to do the same, so that “no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Let us draw strength and encouragement from the final two verses in this chapter, verses 28-29: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.”’

Love you guys, see you in church this Sunday!

In Christ,

Brian