Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 10:19-39 (day seven) “We are not those who shrink back to destruction.” (v 39) “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” (v 25) The danger is very real. Not that we would deny Christ with our words, but with our actions. Two examples. One psychological. The other congregational. Shrink back is a Greek word that literally means, “to gather under”. It pictures a person who retreats into self and becomes unwilling to face challenges. “I am tired of getting ‘beat up’ “, he says. “I will do what is good for ME.” This secret shift of focus will have one noticeable sign. He will stop showing up for meetings. Worship. Business Conference. Sunday school. Not that attendance is the primary virtue, but others need his encouragement and he is gradually less willing to give it. The danger is real. We deny Christ by retreating from other believers and into self.
