The Lighthouse Devotional
Author: Sybil Welch
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Heb 10:23).
PERSONAL REFLECTION
I recall the story of a small boy whose hand became stuck in a jar as he refused to let go of a shiny coin he held firmly in his folded fist. He was repeatedly coaxed to release the coin to free his hand, but no one could persuade him to let go of what was, for him, a precious treasure. He was “holding fast” to something he deemed to be of great importance.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
The Scripture text’s writer calls believers to persevere together in the faith. He makes this evident by repeatedly using the phrase “let us”: (i) “let us draw near to God” (10:22); (ii) “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” (10:23); (iii) “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (10:24); and (iv) let us not give up “meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing” (10:25). His frequent use of this phrase suggests the idea of inclusiveness—no believer must feel excluded from the appeal he is about to make.
Having gained our attention, the writer invites us to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.” He wants us to grasp, embrace, cling, and hold fast to the profession of our faith. In the OT, Moses commands the Israelites to hold fast to their God (Deut 10:20). In the NT, Paul urges Corinthian believers to hold firmly to the gospel he has preached to them (1 Cor 15:2, 58; cf. 2 Thess 2:15). Today, we, too, are the focus of Scripture’s urging to hold fast to the hope we profess—not wavering but remaining steadfast and unmovable.
We hope in God’s unfailing love (Ps 33:18, 22) and in His Word (Ps 130:5) that points us to Jesus Christ, in whom we hope and through whom God has called us (Eph 1:18). We embrace a priceless hope—one that is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
EXHORTATION
Let us, therefore, hold on single-mindedly to the hope we profess. For God, who is faithful, will keep His promise to be with us always, to the very end of the age (Matt 28:20; cf. 1:23; 18:20; 26:29).
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for our blessed hope in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Thank You for Your Word, which urges us to hold unswervingly to this hope. As we continue our journey of grace, help us mature, and sustain us, so we do not stumble. You are our faithful God, who honors Your promises. For this, we give you all the honor and praise due to your Name. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen!