Our personal journey starts with Jesus, as we trust His loving sacrifice for us: it continues with Jesus, because He has promised to be with us all the way; and the destination is to be with Jesus for ever. There is no other safe path to walk. The writer has warned the believers of apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-8) and has also encouraged them that, so far, they have continued in the faith (Hebrews 6:9-10). Now he challenges them to keep going with Jesus until they see Him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).

The evidence of true faith is that we persevere to the end (Hebrews 3:14). It is not easy; it requires courage and personal diligence to hold onto the Word of God and keep on applying it in our lives. Ahead of us is God's promise that we will be saved from hell and united with Him for all eternity: that is the 'hope' to which we have been called (Ephesians 1:18). But until we 'complete the course' (Acts 20:24), that 'hope' is not realised. That is why we must continue, despite hardship and persecution. To give up half way, or even just before the finish, is to say we have never really trusted Jesus and the prize of His presence means nothing to us.

In what way may believers become lazy in their faith? In receiving teaching from God's Word, in praying, in fellowship and in practising the character of Christ, or in serving. This is a challenge to us all, and we need role models. They are to be found in the Scripture. And yet none of the heroes of the faith (Hebrews 11:1-40) were perfect. They all had struggles from stressful circumstances and from their own sinful hearts. And yet they all kept going, trusting the Lord who had called them and forgave their sins. Amazingly, Hebrews chapter 11, does not list their failures but identifies their acts of faith – evidence of the righteousness of Christ (Philippians 1:11). Those who press on to claim their inheritance will receive it because they have trusted God's Word. Those who do not bother to continue, receive nothing (James 1:2-7).

There are some who like having Jesus to help them, and then continue selfishly in their own way. That is not true enduring faith. Others love Jesus, and yet, despite their lives being littered with many difficulties, they continue to trust Jesus: they welcome teaching, pray constantly, give and receive in fellowship, practise a Christ-like lifestyle and serve Him in whatever way He shall call. It is our challenge to be like them. This is a personal choice based on knowing that Jesus is the only way and that all things will only find their completion in Him (1 Corinthians 8:6). Like the original recipients of this letter, we also need to be spurred away from laziness and into diligence so that we might receive God's promised hope (2 Peter 1:10). Having received the challenge, the action is in our hands: let us respond to the grace of Christ - and keep on responding diligently until we meet Him.