Why Biblical Fiction?
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Because We’re All Still Looking for Redemption
When I first sat down to talk with my friend Linda Dindzans about her new biblical fiction novel A Certain Mercy, I thought it would be a simple “tell us about your book” chat for my Avid Readers of Christian Fiction community. Instead, our conversation became a beautiful reminder of why biblical fiction matters so much to my heart. And why, in every generation, we’re still drawn to stories of Jesus, mercy, and second chances. Because at the core? We’re all still looking for redemption.
From the Operating Room to the Writing Desk
Linda is twelve years retired from medicine. She didn’t just retire from something. She retired into something: learning to write fiction.
It took her twelve years of hard work, classes, conferences, coaching, and revision before her first biblical fiction novel, A Certain Man, released. Twelve years of a story that “grew out of control,” as she joked, and a heart that refused to quit.
As a writer, I smiled when she said that. I remember hearing at my first writers’ conference that it often takes 10–12 years from the time someone starts writing seriously to their first book contract. I found that to be true in my own journey as well.
We wouldn’t trust a surgeon who never trained. So why do we think we can write deeply biblical, emotionally rich fiction without training our craft?
Linda did that work. She went from published medical professional to published novelist, and you can feel that discipline and care on every page.
“All Good Stories Are Ultimately Redemptive”
One thing Linda said in our conversation stopped me in my tracks: “I wanted to tell a good story. And I think that all good stories ultimately are redemptive stories. That’s what we’re all looking for—redemption—no matter what our faith background.”
Isn’t that true? We might come to biblical fiction for many reasons: a love of history, a curiosity about what life was like in the first century, or just the hope of a good, page-turning read. But underneath all of that is a deeper ache:
Our hearts lean toward stories where broken people are seen, known, and restored. That’s redemption. And that’s why biblical fiction, when done carefully and reverently, can be so powerful. It doesn’t replace Scripture. Instead, it can help us feel the world of Scripture, walking around in the sandals of the people Jesus met.
Writing Biblical Fiction Changed Me First
When I was invited to write three novels in the Ordinary Women of the Bible series, I had no idea how deeply it would affect my own faith. On my blog, I’ve shared that writing those stories was profoundly moving, even life-changing. I studied Scripture like never before and dug into historical facts that made these women leap off the pages of my Bible.
That’s exactly what I hear in Linda’s voice as she talks about A Certain Mercy. Her stories are set in the same world I’ve studied: dusty roads and crowded courtyards, Roman officials and Pharisees, ordinary women and men trying to survive under occupation and religious pressure. And just like me, she’s digging into Scripture, into Jewish law, and into historical and archaeological sources so that the fiction doesn’t drift away from truth but flows from it. Good biblical fiction doesn’t rewrite the Bible. It invites us to sit closer to the fire of the story.
The Woman Caught in Adultery: A Four-Line Story with a Lifetime of Questions
The heart of A Certain Mercy is the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11). In your Bible, her entire story is told in a handful of verses—barely four lines. But the emotional weight? Immense.
John tells us that religious leaders dragged her before Jesus, announcing she’d been caught in the act and demanding judgment. Jesus bends down, writes in the dust, and then says:
“Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”
“ ‘No, Lord,’ she said.
And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I. Go and sin no more,” (John 8:10–11, NLT).
Four lines. So many questions.
- Who was she?
- How did she get there?
- Where was the man?
- What did it feel like to stand shamed in a public square, waiting for the first stone?
Linda chose to make this unnamed woman her main character—a woman she calls Zara. Zara is a young wife whose marriage, finances, and hopes crumble under the weight of her husband’s gambling addiction and neglect. Torn between loneliness and longing, Zara faces a choice that pulls her heart in two directions.
As Linda and I talked, she shared how her research uncovered something fascinating in the law: there were actual legal expectations for a husband to care for his wife, including food, clothing, and marital intimacy (see Exodus 21:10). Neglecting those duties wasn’t just unkind. It was considered wrong.
In that sense, Zara’s husband had broken the covenant long before she did. That doesn’t excuse her sin, but it does make her deeply human. And that’s what biblical fiction can help us see.
When we know the context, we stop flattening people into “good” or “bad” and start seeing them as desperate sinners in need of a merciful Savior—just like us.
How Jesus Turned the Trap Back on the Accusers
In our conversation, Linda dug into another layer of the text: the legal trap set for Jesus.
The religious leaders thought they had Him in a classic catch-22:
- If He said, “Stone her,” He would appear to contradict His message of mercy.
- If He said, “Let her go,” He’d be accused of dismissing the Law of Moses.
But according to the law, a valid execution required: Two or more witnesses, and a proper official accuser willing to cast the first stone.
Instead, they dragged this woman to Jesus without fulfilling those requirements. No formal accuser. No verified witnesses. Just rage and spectacle.
So when Jesus says, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone,” He’s not merely shaming them. He’s exposing the legal flaws in their case and turning the trap back on them (John 8:7).
One by one, the older men—the ones who knew the law best—leave first. They understood exactly what He’d just done.
The law they tried to weaponize against her now shines a light on their own hearts.
This is the sort of detail Linda weaves into her story after hours of research, commentary reading, and historical digging. It’s also the kind of detail that makes us put the book down, close our eyes, and whisper: “Jesus, You are so much wiser and kinder than I ever realized.”
Research, Archaeology, and Why It Matters for Our Faith
One of the things I love about biblical fiction authors like Linda is how seriously they take historical accuracy. She doesn’t ask, “Would a chariot scene here be dramatic?” but instead, “Was there a hippodrome in Caesarea at this time? What would it have looked like?”
In our conversation, she talked about using:
- Academic journal databases like JSTOR,
- Bible commentaries, charts, and maps, and
- Biblical archaeology resources such as magazines like Let the Stones Speak.
We also talked about the Pilate Stone—a limestone block discovered in 1961 at Caesarea Maritima, inscribed with the name Pontius Pilate and identifying him as the prefect of Judea, exactly as the Bible describes. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
For years, some historians claimed there was no evidence that Pilate even existed. Then a stone was unearthed bearing his name and title. Archaeology keeps bumping into the Bible and saying, “Oh. You were right.”
That’s one of the reasons I love biblical fiction so much. When an author anchors a story in Scripture and serious research, the result isn’t fluffy imagination. Instead, it’s immersive faith-building reading.
“Nothing Is New Under the Sun” (Which Is Why These Stories Still Hit Home)
Linda mentioned something else: that biblical fiction lets readers wrestle with universal truths in a safer way because the setting isn’t contemporary. We’re not arguing about modern politics or culture wars. We’re standing in dusty streets where marriages still crumble, addictions still destroy families, religious hypocrisy still wounds people, and women still wonder if they’re seen and valued.
Ecclesiastes says: “History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new,” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NLT).
The technology has changed. The fashion has changed. But the human heart has not. We read ancient stories because we recognize our modern selves in them. That’s why a woman caught in adultery two thousand years ago can still speak to a woman today who feels trapped in shame, regret, or complicated choices she never dreamed she’d make.
No Condemnation: The Heartbeat of Biblical Fiction
For me, the greatest gift of stories like A Certain Mercy is how clearly they echo the gospel message:
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1, NLT)
Linda’s novel doesn’t excuse sin. Neither does Scripture. But it shows us what mercy looks like in motion. A Savior who kneels in dust instead of throwing stones. A woman who walks away with her life, and a call to newness. And religious men who must face their own hearts instead of hiding behind legal loopholes. Biblical fiction is at its best when it moves us from “those people back then” to “Lord, search my heart right now.”
So… Why Biblical Fiction?
If you’re anything like me–if you love biblical fiction–then I truly believe you’ll enjoy Linda Dindzans’ series. Her first novel, A Certain Man, beautifully opens the door to this world. Her second, A Certain Mercy, goes even deeper. And her upcoming third novel, A Certain Refuge, promises to weave these lives together in ways that feel both authentic and spiritually stirring.
You can find these books on Amazon, and they’re also available on Kindle Unlimited. And if you’re a library lover like I am, you can request your local library to order them. That simple step helps these stories reach new readers who may never have known they existed. Every time you request, review, or share a biblical fiction novel, you’re helping someone else meet Jesus on the pages of a story.
So… why biblical fiction? For me, it’s because we’re all still looking for redemption. We still need reminders that Jesus steps into our shame with compassion, that He silences false accusers with wisdom, that He offers mercy without ever erasing truth, and that He invites us to walk away—free—to “go and sin no more.”
Biblical fiction doesn’t save anyone. Only Jesus does that. But these stories can stir our hearts, send us back to Scripture hungry for more, and remind us that the same Christ who met Zera in Linda’s imagination is the Christ who meets us in the middle of our messy, modern lives.
And that, my friend, is why I’ll keep reading—and writing—biblical fiction. Because in every century, under every sun, redemption is still the story our hearts long for most.
Want to dig deeper into the Bible?
If there’s anything I’ve learned, both as a writer of biblical fiction and as a woman who desperately needs God’s presence every single day, it’s this: Spiritual transformation happens slowly, quietly, and faithfully.
That’s why I love The One Year Bible for Women so much.
I didn’t grow up with daily Bible reading. It wasn’t modeled for me. But when I became a mom—hungry for guidance, desperate for wisdom—I knew I needed God’s Word to anchor my heart. Not once a week. Not once in a while. Every day. This Bible helped me do that.
Why It Means So Much to Me
The daily readings are simple and straightforward. There’s a portion from the Old Testament, a portion from the New Testament, a Psalm, and a Proverb.
And tucked into each day is a short devotional written just for women. The topics are ones I can carry with me into real life, which for me is laundry piles, homeschooling chaos, deadlines, and the beautiful mess of motherhood.
Even better, the NLT translation makes Scripture feel like a conversation, and somehow, by the time I reach December 31, I realize I didn’t just read the Bible. The Bible has been reading me and shaping me.
Who This Bible Is Perfect For
Honestly? Every woman who wants more of Jesus in her everyday life.
- Moms who need soul-strength in the middle of busy mornings
- New believers, seasoned believers, or returning believers
- Friends you want to bless with something meaningful
If you’ve been feeling a tug to dive deeper into Scripture, or if you’re simply ready for one small habit that will change your year, this is it.
If you’re ready to start, The One Year Bible for Women is a beautiful place to begin.
Want more insight? Join us on the Daily Bible podcast! 🎧 LISTEN & 📺 WATCH
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Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle
December 15
1 Timothy 6:11-21, Titus 1:1-3:15, 2 Timothy 1:1-18
Disciplined for the Good Fight
The letters of Paul to Timothy and Titus carry timeless lessons for living a life of faith and discipline, especially for those called to lead. These passages call us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, while standing firm against worldly distractions.
Pursuing Discipline in Leadership (1 Timothy 6:11-21)
Paul urges Timothy to “fight the good fight for the true faith” and to hold tightly to eternal life. He reminds Timothy to flee from the temptations of greed and worldly desires, emphasizing that discipline is key to godliness.
Discipline is not about punishment but about self-control. Paul charges Timothy to guard the Gospel, avoid godless chatter, and stay grounded in sound teaching. True discipline requires focus on what matters most: living a life that glorifies God.
Living Out Discipline in Community (Titus 1-3)
In Titus 1, Paul outlines the qualifications for church leaders, emphasizing that they must live disciplined lives. This includes being blameless, faithful, self-controlled, and deeply rooted in sound doctrine. Leaders set the tone for the church, and their example is foundational for the faith community.
Titus 2 shifts focus to the broader Christian community, encouraging believers to live self-controlled, respectful, and loving lives. In Titus 3, Paul extends these instructions to the public sphere, reminding Christians to be peaceable, generous, and obedient citizens. This countercultural way of living reflects the transformative power of God’s grace.
Enduring Discipline in Faith (2 Timothy 1)
Paul’s final letter to Timothy is deeply personal. As he faces imprisonment, Paul encourages Timothy to remain faithful and unashamed of the Gospel. He highlights the vital role of self-discipline in standing firm for Christ:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Paul reminds Timothy to rely on the foundation of faith passed down through his mother and grandmother. This generational faith, combined with self-discipline, equips Timothy to endure hardship and boldly share the Gospel.
Word of the Day: Disciplined
Definition: To exercise power over oneself; mastery of one’s thoughts, actions, and words.
Lessons on Discipline from Today’s Reading
Discipline Honors God:
By bringing our thoughts and actions under the lordship of Christ, discipline becomes an act of worship, drawing us closer to God and reflecting His glory.
Discipline Fuels Godliness:
True discipline allows us to resist temptations and pursue righteousness, godliness, and love. This self-control keeps us focused on eternal treasures rather than fleeting worldly gains.
Discipline Strengthens Leadership:
Church leaders are called to be examples of self-discipline, modeling integrity, faithfulness, and sound teaching. Their disciplined lives set the tone for the entire community.
Discipline Builds Community:
Paul’s instructions to Titus emphasize the importance of discipline in relationships—both within the family and in public life. A disciplined believer reflects God’s love and grace to the world.
Discipline Sustains Faith:
Like Paul’s encouragement to Timothy, discipline helps us endure trials, resist fear, and stand boldly for the Gospel. It keeps us running the race with perseverance.
December 16
2 Timothy 2:1-4:18
Approved by the One Who Matters Most
Paul’s second letter to Timothy carries weighty wisdom as the apostle nears the end of his life. He writes with urgency, encouraging Timothy to remain steadfast in faith, diligent in the Word, and committed to his calling despite the challenges ahead.
A Faithful Workman (2 Timothy 2)
Paul exhorts Timothy to be like a soldier, athlete, and farmer—disciplined, focused, and persevering. He calls Timothy to entrust the teachings of Christ to others, passing on the Gospel through faithful discipleship.
One key charge is to avoid distractions that lead to quarrels or false teaching. Instead, Timothy is to handle the Word of truth accurately and with integrity. Paul reminds him that God knows His people and that Timothy must pursue righteousness, faith, and love alongside others who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
Steadfast in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3)
Paul warns Timothy about the difficult times ahead, marked by self-centeredness, greed, and pride. He lists the characteristics of people in the last days, highlighting how love of self is at the root of all other sins. Paul calls Timothy to turn away from such people and remain grounded in the truth he has learned and observed in Paul’s own life.
Paul emphasizes the transformative power of Scripture:
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives." (2 Timothy 3:16)
Scripture equips believers for every good work, enabling them to stand firm in a world that rejects sound teaching.
Passing the Torch (2 Timothy 4:1-18)
In his final charge, Paul urges Timothy to preach the Word boldly, whether the season is favorable or not. Timothy is to correct, rebuke, and encourage with patience and careful instruction. Paul foresees a time when people will reject truth for what suits their desires, and Timothy must stay clear-minded and faithful.
Paul’s reflection on his own journey is a moving testament to his faith:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
Despite challenges, Paul finds peace in knowing his life has been poured out as an offering to God. His example encourages us to remain steadfast and approved in our service to Christ.
Word of the Day: Approved
Definition: To believe that something or someone is good or acceptable.
How We Live Approved Lives
- Approved Workmen (2 Timothy 2:15):
Paul calls us to be diligent in studying and applying God’s Word, ensuring we handle it with integrity. This makes us workmen who stand unashamed before God, reflecting His truth in our lives. - Approved for Every Good Work (2 Timothy 3:16-17):
Immersing ourselves in Scripture equips us for the tasks God has prepared for us. His Word shapes us into vessels fit for His service, enabling us to navigate challenges with wisdom and grace. - Approved Through Faithful Service (2 Timothy 4:7):
Like Paul, we can be approved by remaining faithful to our calling, persevering through hardships, and finishing the race with steadfast faith.
Our approval isn’t based on worldly standards but on God’s unconditional love and purpose for our lives. Let’s live diligently, serve faithfully, and hold firmly to the truth, knowing that our ultimate approval comes from the One who matters most.
December 17
2 Timothy 4:19-22, Hebrews 1:1-4:13
Jesus: The Greater Hope
Paul concludes his second letter to Timothy with personal greetings, but his heartfelt plea for Timothy’s visit reveals the deep love and mentorship Paul had for this young leader.
As we transition into the book of Hebrews, we enter a powerful theological narrative that magnifies the supremacy of Christ. Hebrews bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises, the better sacrifice, and the greater hope.
Jesus: Greater Than Angels (Hebrews 1–2)
Hebrews opens with a declaration: Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature. He is superior to the angels, not because of titles or roles, but because of His divine nature and redemptive work.
Though angels delivered messages from God in the past, Jesus Himself is the ultimate revelation of God’s truth and grace. The writer warns us to pay careful attention to this truth and not drift away. Jesus, through His incarnation and sacrifice, broke the power of sin and Satan.
Jesus: Greater Than Moses (Hebrews 3)
Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house, but Jesus is the Son over God’s house. While Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness, it is Jesus who leads us into eternal rest. The passage challenges us to guard against unbelief and to remain faithful, trusting God’s promises.
Hebrews 3:14 reminds us:
"For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ."
The Greater Rest (Hebrews 4:1–13)
The theme of rest continues, but this isn’t merely about physical rest. It’s about the profound spiritual rest found in Christ. Entering God’s rest means ceasing from our works and resting in the finished work of Jesus.
The passage emphasizes the power of God’s Word, describing it as sharper than a double-edged sword, capable of exposing the deepest thoughts and intentions of the heart. This living Word is not to condemn but to heal, restore, and lead us into a greater rest.
Word of the Day: Greater
Definition: Larger in magnitude, extent, or significance; superior in quality or nature.
Why Jesus Is the Greater Hope
- Greater Revelation:
Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s character and will. Through Him, we see God’s glory and love fully displayed. - Greater Victory:
By His death and resurrection, Jesus broke the power of sin, death, and Satan, offering us true freedom. - Greater Rest:
In Christ, we find a rest that goes beyond physical relief. It is a rest that penetrates the soul, offering peace, assurance, and eternal hope. - Greater Faithfulness:
Jesus was faithful in His mission to redeem humanity. He calls us to remain faithful, trusting in His promises, even in the face of trials.
How Do We Respond?
- Embrace the Greater: Recognize that in Jesus, we have the ultimate source of hope, peace, and salvation.
- Persevere: Stay faithful, even when life’s challenges arise, knowing Jesus is greater than any circumstance.
- Rest in Christ: Trust in the completed work of Jesus and allow His Word to guide and sustain you.
Jesus is the greater hope we need for today and eternity.
December 18
Hebrews 4:14-7:28
Better in Every Way
Hebrews is a masterpiece that emphasizes the superiority of Jesus Christ in every aspect of faith and life. Today’s readings invite us to reflect on how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament roles of priest, prophet, and king—perfectly and eternally.
Jesus: The Compassionate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16)
Imagine having a High Priest who doesn’t just represent you but truly understands you. Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and divinity, offering us direct access to God. Because of His perfect life and sacrificial death, we can boldly approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that He sympathizes with our weaknesses and provides the help we need.
The priests of old offered sacrifices for their own sins before interceding for others. But Jesus, the sinless Savior, offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. He is both the perfect priest and the perfect sacrifice, giving us eternal access to God.
Jesus: The Better Priesthood (Hebrews 6–7)
The author of Hebrews calls us to grow in our faith and understanding, moving beyond the basics of the Gospel to embrace its full depth and richness. He warns against becoming complacent, urging us to anchor our hope in the unchanging promises of God.
This leads to the introduction of Melchizedek, a figure from the Old Testament who prefigures Jesus. Melchizedek, a priest-king, blessed Abraham long before the Levitical priesthood was established. The writer shows how Jesus, like Melchizedek, is appointed by God, not by lineage.
Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant. Unlike the priests of the old covenant, who were limited by their humanity, Jesus is eternal and perfect. His priesthood is not bound by the imperfections of the law but is rooted in the power of an indestructible life.
Word of the Day: Better
Definition: Of a more excellent or effective type or quality.
Why Jesus Is Better
- Better Access to Grace:
Through Jesus, we can approach God boldly, without fear. He understands our struggles and invites us into His presence to receive mercy and grace in our time of need. - Better Covenant:
The old covenant, based on the law, could not fully reconcile humanity to God. Jesus established a new covenant, founded on grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. - Better Refuge:
Jesus offers a hope that anchors our souls, unshaken by life’s storms. This hope is rooted in God’s unchanging promises and the finished work of Christ. - Better Priesthood:
Jesus is not limited by the constraints of the Levitical priesthood. He is eternal, sinless, and perfectly able to intercede for us. - Better Hope:
Under the old covenant, perfection was unattainable. Through Jesus, we draw near to God, not through our works but through His grace and mercy.
How Do We Respond?
- Approach the Throne: Embrace the confidence that comes from knowing Jesus intercedes for you. Bring your needs, fears, and doubts to God, trusting in His grace.
- Anchor Your Hope: Trust in the unshakable promises of God. Let Jesus be your refuge in life’s storms.
- Grow in Faith: Move beyond the basics of the Gospel. Seek to deepen your understanding and live out the fullness of God’s truth.
Jesus is better in every way. Let this truth shape your faith and your life.
December 19
Hebrews 8:1-10:39
The Mighty Mediator
In Hebrews 8–10, the theme of Jesus as our Mediator and the establishment of a better covenant shines brightly. The author of Hebrews skillfully contrasts the Old Covenant, with its rituals and limitations, to the New Covenant, mediated by Jesus, which offers eternal forgiveness, direct access to God, and a transformed heart.
The Better Covenant (Hebrews 8)
The old system, built on sacrifices and the law, served as a shadow of what was to come. It was temporary, incomplete, and unable to change hearts. But the New Covenant, foretold in Jeremiah 31, is for everyone. It doesn’t just cover sins; it changes us from the inside out. Jesus, as the perfect Mediator, established this covenant based on better promises, enabling us to truly know and follow God.
The Better Sacrifice (Hebrews 9)
In the Old Testament, priests repeatedly offered animal sacrifices, which could never fully atone for sins. But Jesus entered the heavenly Tabernacle, offering His own blood as a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. This act cleanses us completely—body, soul, and spirit—and purifies our consciences. It breaks the power of sin and offers eternal redemption.
Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for all time. As Hebrews 9:12 reminds us, “He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.”
The Better Access (Hebrews 10)
The Old Covenant required repeated sacrifices that could never truly remove sin. But Jesus’ sacrifice was perfect and complete, tearing the veil that separated us from God. Through Him, we have bold access to God’s throne of grace.
This chapter also calls us to persevere in faith, encouraging one another in love and good works. It warns against falling away and reminds us that rejecting Christ is rejecting the only hope of salvation. Yet, it offers great encouragement: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).
Word of the Day: Mediator
Definition: A person who intervenes to reconcile differences or bring agreement.
Jesus as Our Mediator
- Accept Grace:
Jesus, as the Mediator, bridges the gap between God and humanity. His sacrifice was complete, cleansing our consciences and setting us free from sin and shame. Let His grace transform you. - Live Freely:
Christ’s death broke the power of sin. Live as one who is truly free, not enslaved to sin or guilt. - Worship Confidently:
Through Jesus, we have direct access to God. Approach Him boldly in prayer and worship, trusting in His mercy and love. - Share the Gospel:
As Christ has mediated the New Covenant to us, we are called to share this good news with others. Tell others about the eternal promises and hope found in Jesus.
Jesus is the Mediator of a covenant far better than anything the old system could offer. Because of Him, we have forgiveness, freedom, and a relationship with God. Let us live in this truth daily and share it boldly with the world.
December 20
Hebrews 11:1 – 12:29
Endurance for the Race
The book of Hebrews reminds us of the faith-filled legacy passed down through generations. In Hebrews 11, we read of the “Hall of Faith,” showcasing individuals who trusted God’s promises, even without seeing their fulfillment. Hebrews 12 then calls us to perseverance in our own spiritual journey, encouraging us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
The Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
Faith is described as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). This chapter recounts the lives of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and many others who trusted God through extraordinary challenges.
These heroes endured trials, temptations, and even persecution, confident in God’s promises. They didn’t always see the results in their lifetime but clung to the assurance of what was yet to come. Their stories inspire us to place unwavering trust in God’s character and His Word.
Run with Endurance (Hebrews 12)
Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to view their lives as a race, calling us to:
- Throw off hindrances: Cast aside sin, distractions, and unfruitful habits that weigh you down.
- Run with perseverance: Trust in God’s promises and stay steadfast in trials.
- Fix your eyes on Jesus: Focus on Him as your source of strength, joy, and salvation.
Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him, is our example and our strength.
The chapter also reminds us that God disciplines His children for their good, shaping us to share in His holiness. Though discipline may be painful, it produces a “peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way” (Hebrews 12:11).
Word of the Day: Endurance
Definition: The power to withstand an unpleasant or difficult process without giving way.
Enduring in Faith
- Fix Your Eyes on Jesus:
Life’s race is challenging, but by focusing on Christ, we find strength and direction. Keep Him as your anchor. - Lay Aside the Weight:
Ask God to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). Let Him reveal and remove anything hindering your growth and faith. - Persist in the Race:
Remember, trials refine us. God’s discipline shapes us into His likeness, helping us to endure future challenges with confidence. - Encourage Fellow Runners:
As we’re surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we too must cheer on others in their journey. Strengthen and support your brothers and sisters in Christ.
A Call to Endure
Faith isn’t just a moment; it’s a journey—a marathon, not a sprint. By fixing our eyes on Jesus and trusting in His promises, we can endure with the same steadfastness as those who came before us. And as we persevere, let’s draw strength from the cloud of witnesses cheering us on and encourage others to run the race set before them.
December 21
Hebrews 13:1 – 25, 1 Peter 1:1 – 2:3
Chosen for a Purpose
As we conclude the book of Hebrews and transition into 1 Peter, we are reminded of God’s unchanging promises and the unique calling He has placed on each believer. Hebrews ends with practical instructions for living a life pleasing to God and a beautiful benediction that equips us to walk in His will. 1 Peter begins with a powerful declaration of our identity as chosen people, urging us to embrace this identity and live with purpose.
Final Words in Hebrews
The closing chapter of Hebrews (Hebrews 13) offers practical applications for living in a way that pleases God. These include:
- Loving One Another: Hebrews 13:1 reminds us of the importance of brotherly love (philadelphia). This love manifests through hospitality, care for those in need, and honoring the marriage covenant.
- Trusting God Over Money: We are reminded that God will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6), encouraging us to rely on His provision.
- Remembering Leaders: Hebrews 13:17 urges believers to respect and submit to spiritual leaders who care for their souls.
The chapter concludes with a stirring benediction that equips believers to do God’s will: “Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good that you may do his will” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
The Living Hope in 1 Peter
In 1 Peter, we meet Peter again, decades after he first followed Jesus as a fisherman. Writing to persecuted believers in Asia Minor, Peter reminds them of the living hope they have through Christ’s resurrection.
- A New Identity: Peter calls believers a “chosen people,” part of God’s holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). This identity is rooted in God’s mercy, which called them out of darkness and into His marvelous light.
- Refining Trials: Peter compares trials to the purification of gold, emphasizing that faith refined by fire is more precious than gold (1 Peter 1:6-7).
- Spiritual Growth: Peter encourages believers to crave pure spiritual milk and grow in their salvation (1 Peter 2:1-3), leaving behind malice, deceit, and hypocrisy.
Word of the Day: Chosen
Definition: One who is the object of choice or divine favor; an elect person.
Living as God’s Chosen People
- Embrace Your Identity:
1 Peter 1:2 reminds us that we are “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God.” This truth anchors us in His eternal purpose, even during trials. - Live with Purpose:
Being chosen by God comes with a calling to proclaim His excellencies and reflect His love to the world (1 Peter 2:9). - Cultivate Holiness:
Peter challenges us to rid ourselves of sin and grow in Christlike character, living as holy people set apart for His glory. - Encourage Others:
Just as Peter encouraged persecuted believers, we too can offer hope and encouragement to others, reminding them of their identity in Christ.
A Call to Action
As chosen people, let’s live in a way that reflects our identity in Christ. Let’s proclaim His goodness, grow in holiness, and encourage others to embrace the living hope we have in Him.
