Strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.
Make straight paths for your feet,
that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.
Strive for peace with everyone,
and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God,
that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble,
through which many may become defiled. (Heb 12:12-15)
Sometimes I wish the prophets, disciples, and apostles would just use some simple language. Instead of “strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees,” et cetera, maybe just say, “Buck up, pilgrim, and do your job!” After all, that is what today’s reading is all about.
We sometimes forget that faith comes with a certain price tag. Peace does not come on its own, it must be earned. Healing is not automatic, it involves much work. There is much that needs to be accomplished for the Kingdom of God to come to fruition and each and every one of us has a particular part to play.
A house divided truly cannot stand. If we refuse to live the peace, love, and joy of God in our hearts and in our lives, there will be no way to transmit that peace, love, and joy to others. If it is not transmitted to others, it cannot be taught or caught.
It is inherent upon every one of us, then, to do our part. Yes, in my best John Wayne voice, I simply would say this day, “Buck up, pilgrim, and do your job!”
FAITH ACTION: Pray for a firm resolve to live a life worthy of the Lord this day and pray, as well, for those wavering in the faith.