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The Scriptorium

Toward, not Away

Like our fathers before us, we must strain toward the promises.

Hebrews 11 (7)

Introduction

For those who have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, there is no excuse for looking away from Him. Like the saints of the Old Testament, we must look forward to the promised rest of God. They endured much and achieved much by looking past or through their circumstances to the hope of a City to Come, where they would abide in God’s dwelling place and know the safe refuge of His loving care. We must let their example instruct, encourage, and embolden us as we face various trials and temptations, so that we persist in straining toward the Lord and His promises, and resist every inclination to draw back and drift away.

Read and meditate on Psalm 91.

Read Hebrews 11.

Think it through.
1.  Which of the Old Testament saints mentioned in this chapter speaks most pointedly to where you are in your walk of faith at this time? Why? How can you see that the faith of these saints truly matches the definition of faith given in verse 1? What can we learn from Hebrews 11 about how to read the Old Testament?

2.  What is your vision of the City to Come? Where could you look in Scripture to flesh out that vision more completely? Why can we gain strength from meditating on that vision? Can you think of a hymn that might help you to keep that vision before you each day? How about Psalm 91?

Meditate.
“What then is the reward of so great a change? What is the recompense? They have not yet received it but are still waiting; and after thus dying in so great tribulation, they have not yet received it. They gained their victory so many ages ago but have not yet received their reward. And you who are yet in the conflict, are you vexed?” John Chrysostom (344-407 AD)

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3.2, 3

Lord Jesus, I know You are preparing a place for me. Help me to remember that always, that I may daily strive to…

Pray Psalm 91.1-16.
Try memorizing a portion of this psalm to pray throughout the day. Use it whenever you need to shelter in the Lord and focus on His dwelling place.

Psalm 91.1-16 (Lauda Anima: Praise My Soul the King of Heaven)
All who dwell within God’s shelter in His shadow will reside. 
He our Tow’r, our Fortress ever, in Him we our trust confide. 
From the trapper’s snares He saves us; safe from sickness we abide.

He will shade us with His pinions, ‘neath His wings we safety find. 
From night’s terror, from day’s arrow, from the fears that stalk our mind. 
When destruction falls at noon time, safe in Him shall we abide.

Thousands at our sides may falter – it will not to us come near!
We instead shall see the end of all who at God’s mercy sneer.
Evil shall no more befall us for we hold the Lord most dear. 

He shall give His angels charge to bear us up, lest we should fall; 
They will guard and carry all who on the Savior’s mercy call. 
Cobra, mighty lion, serpent: We shall tread upon them all!

Save us, Lord! We love You only; set us up secure on high!
You we know, on You we call in trouble: Hear us when we cry!
Show us Your salvation, let long life forever satisfy!

T. M Moore

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For a better understanding of the book of Hebrews, and all the books of the Bible, order a copy of the workbook, 
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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press).

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
Books by T. M. Moore

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