This chunk of Hebrews is one of those "stump the pastor" sections that, if not dealt with carefully, can cause some serious issues. For example, in 6:2, a number of good things to think about are blasted and in 6:4 there's a claim that it is impossible to return to faith once you fall away. So, what's the deal in these verses? While I can't find anyone who agrees with me, here are my thoughts.

First, we need to look at what was said both before and after this section. Both sides deal with Melchizedek and the priesthood of Christ. With this in mind, we see in verse 11 that the author, who's just introduced the topic of Christ's priesthood, wants to say a whole lot more about it, but the people aren't inclined to listen to what he has to say, rather, they want to move on to what they perceive to be more important issues.

While discussing the April 6, 27-Hour Service on the fshbwl (http://fshbwl.com), another image of seemingly inconsequential dots coming together to make a much larger picture came to mind. It links to the Stephen Sondheim musical based on a Georges Seurat painting.

The painting itself is made up of individual dots, with each dot, in and of itself, having little importance. Yet, when all of the dots are put together, the form a complete picture.

In the same way, while many of the experience of our life don't seem to have meaning or significance in the moment, because of the resurrection, we know that they are part of a much larger and much more powerful story that God has been unfolding since before the world began.

As chapter 4 opens the need to hold firm to the Word God has proclaimed continues as the author argues that just because a Word from God is delivered, it doesn't mean that the recipient receives the benefit of that Word.

Perhaps one of the best modern day examples of this is the Word of God that is spoken over a child in his or her baptism, and identifies the importance of having parents and Godparents who are committed to raising the child up in the faith. If that Word is delivered in baptism, but it is never spoken of again, the child will grow up not receiving the benefits of the promise because it is not being held onto by faith.