“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion’” (Hebrews 3:12-15).
Those who fail to learn from history are destined to repeat it.
A significant way that the Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15) is by carefully studying and learning from those things written for your admonition (1 Corinthians 10:11) and instruction (Romans 15:4).
According to the penman of Hebrews, Israel’s apostasy in the wilderness and the tragic calamity of not entering the Promised Land has four significant lessons to be gleaned and immediately applied.
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Beware of an evil heart of unbelief (v. 12). The pandemic of hardness of heart began with ten spies and quickly plagued a population of over 600,000.
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Exhort one another daily (v. 13). An evil heart of unbelief can arise suddenly and harden other hearts rapidly. Its antidote is urgent, immediate encouragement to withstand this spiritual plague.
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Be steadfast to the end (v. 14). Faithfulness today is no guarantee of faithfulness tomorrow. Apostasy is sinful any time it infects your heart. Therefore, you must steadfastly hold your confidence in God’s infallible word to the end.
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Do not harden your heart (v. 15). Whenever you are assailed by Satan to doubt God’s word and require more than a “Thus saith the Lord” RESIST. Be strong in the Lord and withstand this temptation. Stand firm and do not harden your heart.
If these four lessons are not learned and engrafted into your life, you are destined to repeat the tragedy of Kadesh-barnea.
