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"I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Text: Hebrews 13:5c

THE BATTLE BETWEEN CONTENTMENT AND COVETOUSNESS

Every effort must be made to combat the problem of covetousness. Contentment and covetousness will always be at odds with each other. One or the other will prevail! That the writer of Hebrews sees this as a “battle” is reinforced by the following text he cited.

“For He Himself has said,
‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”
Hebrews 13:5c

For He Himself has said

a) This is a reference to the Lord giving this word of promise.

b) The context of this promise is to be traced to the time when God addressed Jacob
(Cf. Genesis 28:15).

c) The content of this promise was essentially the reiteration of the Abrahamic covenantal promise (Cf. Genesis 28:14-15).

d) Jacob’s comprehension of this promise was much more mundane:-

i) He made a solemn vow to own the Lord as his God.

ii) If God would be with him and keep him.

iii) If God would give him bread to eat.

iv) If God would give him clothing to put on.

v) If God would bring him back to his father’s house in peace.

e) The historical context

i) Jacob had to flee from his home because of a severe sibling problem.

ii) He had cheated his twin brother of his birthright and the blessing of the firstborn.

iii) The essence of this problem was the deadly sin of covetousness.

The deadliness of the sin of covetousness must be recognized! The Lord’s word of promise that He would be with us to provide for us must be appreciated deeply!