Fly Not from the Field of Battle

Hebrews 10:19-25

The Full Assurance of Faith

[19] Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, [20] by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

The committed Christian life boils down to whether we believe God is sovereign. If we do, then we must submit to him in all of life. Each day we enter into a battle for our souls, joy, and peace. We cannot fight this battle on our own. We need the support and encouragement of brothers and sisters in Christ; the church. Isaac Watts so eloquently describes the need to stay in the battle until Jesus calls us home.

“Our blessed Jesus, who has all the vast scheme of divine counsels before his eyes, by having the books of his Father's decrees put into his hands, he knows how long it is proper for thee, O Christian, to fight and labour, to wrestle and strive with sins, temptations, and difficulties, in the present life : he knows best in what moment to put a period to them, and to pronounce thee conqueror. Fly not from the field of battle for want of holy fortitude , though thy enemies and thy dangers be never so many , nor dare to dis miss thyself from thy appointed post , till the Lord of life pronounce the word of thy dismission.

Sometimes I have been ready to say wit in myself , Why is my life prolonged in sorrow? Why are my days lengthened out to see further wretchedness? Methinks the grave should be ready for me, and the house appointed for all the living. What can I do further for God or for man here on earth, since my nature pines away with painful sickness, my nerves are unstrung, my spirits dissipated, and my best powers of acting are enfeebled and almost lost? Peace, peace, O thou complaining spirit; dost thou know the counsels of the Almighty, and the secret designs of thy God and thy Saviour? He has many deep and unknown purposes in continuing his children amidst heavy sorrows, which they can never penetrate or learn in this world. Silence and submission becomes thee at all times. “Father, not my will, but thy will be done.” - Isaac Watts