THE CERTAINTY OF GOD'S PROMISES "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, WE might have a STRONG CONSOLATION, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" (Heb 6:18). -- Tomorrow:
"For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise." (Hebrews 6:13-15).
The Divine objective is stated. Here is why God confirmed His promise with an oath. This reference is to Genesis 22:16-17, where God declares what He will do to Abraham. "By Myself have I sworn, saith the LORD . . . That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies."
It was not for Abraham's sake alone that God so swore! He had us in mind when He buttressed His promise with an oath: "By Myself have I sworn . . . SURELY blessing I will bless thee" (Heb 6:14). It was in order that "WE might have A STRONG CONSOLATION, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" (v 18b). The NASB translates it "strong encouragement," while the NIV says "be greatly encouraged." The Scriptural word "consolation" means solace, comfort, and encouragement. The Greek word from which it is translated is the same one Jesus used to speak of the "Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit (John 14:16,26; 16:26; 16:7). It includes the idea of being brought near and refreshed.
Why was such a high priority placed upon our consolation, solace, comfort, or encouragement – a priority that moved God to confirm His promise with an oath (Heb 6:17)? It is because of the nature of living by faith – of sojourning through a strange land in which consistent and persistent competing influences are experienced.
The life of faith requires encouragement and consolation. The path to glory is too difficult and long to be traversed in a state of discouragement. Those who are running the race that is set before them (Heb 12:2) know the debilitating effects of discouragement. It is elementary, but so true: "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad" (Prov 12:25). Little wonder we read, "Now our Lord Jesus Christ HIMSELF, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us EVERLASTING CONSOLATION and GOOD HOPE through grace" (2 Thess 2:16). These gracious gifts are not luxuries, but necessities.
One aspect of salvation that is most refreshing is that of renewal. It begins when we are born again, and continues throughout our earthly tenure. We are, it is affirmed, saved "through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). The "strong consolation" of our text is an aspect of that "renewing."
An abundance of encouragement requires attentiveness to the promises of God! The Lord Jesus Himself is called "the CONSOLATION of Israel" (Luke 2:25). God is known as One "who gives perseverance and encouragement" (Rom 15:5, NASB). Because of the nature of our situation in the world, Christ ministers consolation or comfort in copious quantities: "our consolation also aboundeth by Christ" (2 Cor 1:5).
What a tragedy that so many believers attend gatherings where spiritual discouragement is experienced, rather than encouragement ministered. The setbacks stimulated by such deficient assemblies will be fully known only at the judgment seat of Christ! Building up the saints, and encouraging them in the faith, has top priority in the Kingdom of God. No work takes precedence over this one. The reason for the demand ought to be obvious. The spiritual warfare into which faith has ushered us requires a high level of encouragement. God confirmed His promise with an oath in recognition of this.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the indispensable encourage You have ministered to me through Your promises.