The Trust Fall - Hebrews 7–13

Come, Follow Me: New Testament 2023 (November 6—12)

Do you remember doing the trust fall in school or maybe in a team building exercise? You would stand up straight, close your eyes and then fall back, relying on one or more people to catch you before hitting the ground. I’m not sure this contrived activity increased trust, but it did evoke the emotion of fear when putting yourself in another’s hands.  

Maybe this was what Paul was talking about when he says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Afterall, we’re falling into someone we can’t see, but with whom we place our ultimate faith. “Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Trust in another person is not built in one encounter but comes through a series of experiences where we learn to know with both our heart and mind the person is trustworthy. What do you look for when deciding if a person is trustworthy? Here are a few of my thoughts: 

• The person’s character is unchanging, regardless of the situation.

• The person keeps their promises.

• The person is compassionate and loving.

• The person wants what is best for me and others.

• The person is a good communicator.

• The person forgives and encourages me to progress forward.

• I can count on him/her in both thick and thin.

• Others trust the person.

This describes the Jesus I know and have come to love, and trust, even more this year from my New Testament study. Is it who you know? If not, what experiences could you have with Him that would grow your relationship and your trust? How could you practice “falling into the hands of the living God”? 

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).