Not many people speak with confidence these days, although politicians often pretend. In the last chapter of Hebrews Paul emphasizes the need to be positive in our attitude to the spiritual aspects of life. His first words are, “Let brotherly love continue”. It means love in a practical sense, not just words. John wrote, “let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth”, (1 John 3:18). There is a saying, ‘actions speak louder than words’.

Paul then says, “Remember those who are in prison, as those who are in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body [of Christ]” (Hebrews 13:3). As this world becomes dysfunctional these words could have more frequent application. Some years ago, armed robbers broke into a home where brethren hold their meetings and some lived. As well as stealing money and valuables they sprayed bullets around, injuring a father and three sons, one seriously. Other members rallied round to help, giving their blood for transfusions.

This was in Pakistan, but the potential for similar incidents happening elsewhere is increasing. Now look at verses 5,6 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” Those words are from the prophet Haggai addressing those living in difficult circumstances. (Those who only read the New Testament are missing much powerful encouragement from their God).

Today’s chapter in Micah is a good example. It begins, “It shall come to pass in the latter days … nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (4:1,5). This is a description of God’s kingdom when it is fully functioning; those alive then will say, “Come let us go up to the mountain of the LORD … that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths” (verse 2).

Let us live today – and every day – so that we can, by faith, confidently say – we will be there.