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“Remember the earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to taunts and afflictions, and at other times you were companions of those who were treated that way. For you sympathized with the prisoners and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves have a better and enduring possession. So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.
For yet in a very little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him. But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and obtain life.” Hebrews 10:32-39

I’ve heard it said that life is all about the journey, the experience. There’s definitely some truth there, but is it 100% true? When it comes to fitness, there is much to be learned from the process of becoming fit, but in the end, if fitness isn’t to some degree achieved, are you still satisfied?
This past Sunday my pastor preached his third of a three part sermon series on Hebrews 10, a marvelous chapter! Let me paint the picture for you up to this point (Ch 10). The author of Hebrews is debated, many say it’s Paul, but others just settle on unknown. Regardless, all agree that Hebrews is written to a body of believers who are clearly in need of guidance and some warnings. These are younger believers, and the outside hindrances of a fallen world are beginning to affect their faith. About midway through chapter 10, the author gives his most stern warning, and begs the hearers to beware of apostasy (walking away from the faith). The author reminds the Hebrews about the journey they’ve been on, when they were persecuted for their faith, yet reveled in God’s power and promise. The journey does matter! It indicates the direction we’re headed.
Verse 34 is where the journey meets the destination. The Hebrew people went through so much persecution for their faith, and they did so “joyfully”. The author emphatically reminds and motivates them with the purpose behind such perseverance. Because they, “had a better possession and an abiding one.” THE DESTINATION! Heaven, to be with God forever!
So, the original question…is it all about the journey? The journey is definitely required, but we move forward and persist with the end in mind. As Christians we live with the end in mind. We trust and have faith in the risen Christ, that he will carry us to the end.

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