Hebrews 5:2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

As we read the Word of God it is possible that we move from one chapter to the next and begin to see things, which when taken out of context, seem to tell us to do two opposite things. I also see the possibility that others might not see what I do in these two verses. Some will not feel wounded by the word ignorant and some will. Some will read foundational principles as being simple truths which others might take it to mean that the deeper things of God are preferred over the bare essentials of the good news.

Such is the error of understanding without context. The context of Hebrews 5:2 is compassion; that a pastoral calling must find compassion for the flock he has been called to tend. In Hebrews 6:1 context is the leading edge to a larger conversation, that is as much a warning about the dangers about to be approached in the knowledge of deeper things, that if care is not taken, ones foundation will crack under the weight of understanding.

This warning goes back to the words of Isaiah 28, the crown of pride, which must be also read in context to understand this verse properly.

Isaiah 28:9-10 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

Care must be taken as to how the bricks are laid upon a good foundation.

Do not take this out of context, see the whole picture.

2 Timothy 4:6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. ESV

While many may recall the drink offering as part of the ceremonial sacrifices identified in Numbers, the very first use of the term appears in Genesis 35. Jacob had just been given the name Israel by God and Jacob poured out a drink offering of oil upon a rock at Bethel. Bethel, where the tabernacle of the covenant would be placed centuries later. The oil, significant to the anointing and of course the rock, our cornerstone of foundation, Christ Jesus.

How fitting a gesture of scriptures was penned by Paul as he neared the end of his ministry. Paul declaring that his very life was a sacrifice to Christ, that it was spent on the anointing. I know that we sometimes refer to our initial salvation as “giving ourselves to Christ” but do we from beginning to end think of ourselves as a drink offering, to be poured out as a sacrifice unto the Lord?

It is verses like these that prick my conscience, knowing that I have not given my all. It is not fair for me to call on others to do that which I have not done myself, but read the scriptures and ask yourself what Christ is asking of you.

In some ways I see myself at the end of my journey. Age has taken its toll, but it has also given me experience and time in the Word and for whatever time remains for me, I am better equipped now than ever to serve in His anointing. So, I am not done yet.

Psalm 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.