Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed.

— Hebrews 7:16

Standing at the base of Niagara Falls was absolutely awe-inspiring.

I’m sure we looked like ants to the people above. The water thundered as it crashed onto the rocks and into the river.

Upon boarding the boat that ventured to the other set of the falls, we were quickly overwhelmed by the sound and the splashing water that gave the illusion of being caught in a serious thunderstorm. It was simply raw power.

The writer of Hebrews was marveling at power as well.

It wasn’t the power of nature, nor was it a power generated by the work of any human hands.

It was the power of the impossible. The something-from-nothing power that God alone possesses.

Jesus’ body succumbed to death, but Jesus did not. It could not hold him. His life was indestructible.

This power uniquely positions him to bridge the distance between a holy God and an unholy people.

Paul would tell the young pastor Timothy, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.”

He would write in another letter, “The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you.”

When people turn to Jesus for forgiveness of sin and peace with God, the Holy Spirit dwells in them, bringing with him resurrection power, the power of the impossible.

In Christ, we are equipped for a victorious life.

No more fuel

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

— Proverbs 26:20

Our family loves campfires.

As the sun sets and the air cools, the fire pit quickly becomes the place of focus.

A few sticks. A few pieces kindling. A click of the lighter, and we’re off to the races.

Stories get told. Laughter breaks out from faces glowing orange from the warm dancing flames.

We’ll sit there for hours on end, until the wood runs out.

When that happens, the fire quickly fades and the cool air chases us to the fireplace inside.

Solomon, who authored the book of Proverbs, undoubtedly had experienced his share of campfires as well.

He observed that quarrels fade out just like a fire will without wood.

Quarrels require fuel to continue.

He mentions the primary one by name — gossip. Passing negative information around about others is sure to stir the pot.

Remove it and peace has a chance.

The ability to keep information about others in confidence — or to simply not seek it out, for that matter — is one of the hallmarks of the mature.

The temptation to engage in gossip is one we simply must resist. Unchecked fires can cause an incredible amount of damage.

So does gossip.

Jesus’ brother James told us that no human being can tame his or her tongue.

The great news, however, is God can if we just get out of his way.

Let us

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

— Hebrews 10:23-25

It was and still is an exciting time when our family enters into a group decision.

Everyone really knows what they’d like to do or where they’d like to go, but no one wants to come off as “it’s all about me.”

It’s fun to watch the back and forth — the “decision dance,” if you will. Eventually, the multitude of options shrink until there is the agreed upon, “Let us … .” I’m just thankful to be included in the us!

After marveling at the wonder of the person of Jesus, his role, his identity and his work, the author identifies a few accompanying “Let us” action steps.

Hold tightly to our hope. God is a promise keeper.

Think of ways to inspire others to acts of love and good works. They are true treasures.

Keep company with those who place spiritual courage within us. Neglecting to do so will leave us floundering.

Why the urgency? Jesus is coming.

Each day we are granted has attached to it potential, promise and purpose. We are faced with a renewed spectrum of possibilities of action from which to choose.

From moment one, if we determine to set our hearts and minds on Jesus, we see a disposition of love and joy break forth, some of the bountiful fruit of the spirit.

So, how will we finish today’s “Let us …”?

May the imminent arrival of our savior overwhelmingly inform that choice.

Wiles is senior minister of Fall Creek Christian Church in Pendleton. He can be reached at 765-778-3166.