Limping Christians

One preacher was writing about the sad condition of the United States. He said "the very frame of our government, our constitution, laws, bills of rights are all occasionally defied and trodden under foot…Mobs, arson, murder, in order to put down offensive opinions, or to prevent the discussion of them, are now the order of the day.” These are the worlds of Alexander Campbell writing in 1837 about the turmoil and violence in our land.

Worries about where our society is headed weigh heavy on our hearts. Personal struggles on top of national fears make the load seem too heavy to bear. Sometimes our knees begin to quiver.

The Christians in the book of Hebrews felt this way—even worse. They had been persecuted. Some of them had left the faith. This book exhorts the faithful to endure and not give up hope. How?

Remember that you’ve been through trials before. “But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings; partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated” (Heb. 10:32-33).

Consider what saints in the Old Testament suffered for their faith. Some were “tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth” (Heb. 11:35-38).

Compare yourself to Jesus. He “endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Heb. 12:2-3).

Don’t forget that God chastens you. “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him’” (Heb. 12:5).

Take courage in the Lord! “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed” (Heb. 12:12-13). Weariness in your soul is like a heavy weight on your shoulders. Like Moses, you may say it’s “too heavy for me” (Num. 11:14). You may be slumping over with your hands hanging down and your knees feeling like they’re going to give way. But do what these verses say so that your tired feet don’t become dislocated. Stand up straight and keep your chin up. Keep your eye on the One who has finished this race, and press forward to the end.

Kerry

West End church of Christ • October 5, 2025