“For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37).
This scripture is a quotation from Habakkuk 2:3, but with this difference.
The prophecy of Habakkuk 2:3 is run into an Old Testament mould.
Hebrews 10:37 is run into a New Testament mould.
Habakkuk 2:3 puts before the earthly believer a Jewish hope, glorious indeed, but earthly.
Hebrews 10:37 puts before the heavenly believer a Christian hope, even an heavenly hope.
Habakkuk 2:3 refers to “it.”
Hebrews 10:37 refers to “He.”
It stands as a comfort for the believer today. The Hebrew believers in that day were tested, and were inclined to give up and yield to the pressure of the hour. They had need of patience.
And is this not just our need today patience. Things are difficult.
The apostasy is fast setting in. The love of many is waxing cold. Departure and breakdown are everywhere. The things apparently most stable are shaking.
What then is the believer’s hope? The Lord from heaven. What a cordial to our fainting hearts, “a little while.” It never was such “a little while” as it is just now. The Lord comes quickly. His coming never was so near as when you read these lines. Are you waiting for Him?