"HAVE FAITH FOR THE PRESERVING OF OUR LIVES"

 The Hebrew Christians would need strong faith to survive the approaching tribulation in Judea. (Hebrews 10:37-39) Jesus had warned his followers that when they saw Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, they should flee to the mountains. His counsel applied to all Christians, whether they lived in the city or in the open countryside. (Luke 21:20-40) People back there who were threatened by an invading army would normally seek protection in a walled city like Jerusalem. Fleeing to the mountains would have seemed logical and would have taken great faith.

The Hebrew Christians would also need to trust those whom Jesus was using to direct the congregation. Those taking the lead likely gave specific instructions to help all in the congregation to follow Jesus' direction at the right time and in an orderly manner. (Read Hebrews 13:17.) The Greek word used at Hebrews 13:17 for "be obedient" implies that someone is persuaded to obey because he trusts the person who is giving the direction. That involves more than simply obeying him because he is authorized to give direction. So the Hebrew Christians needed to build trust in those taking the lead before the tribulation came. If during times of peace Christians obediently followed the instructions of those taking the lead, it would be much easier for them to do so in times of crisis.  

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