As long as it is called Today

Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.
Heb 3:1
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Heb 3:13

These two verses were highlighted in my Bible from who knows how long ago, and I read them a little over a week ago. They have been in the back of my mind since then, and I read them again today.

Therefore - because of all that was stated before in chapter 2 of Hebrews:
- Because Jesus' words are the great salvation offered by God, confirmed by miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Because Jesus was made to be our brother in his incarnation, made to be like us in every way except without sin (though with the capacity to choose)
- Because He has destroyed the one who has the power of death (the devil)
- Because He has freed "those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death."
- Because He was made like us, in order to become a "merciful and faithful high priest" to make atonement for our sins.
- Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Holy brothers (or sisters) who share in the heavenly calling - We are made holy, set apart, called, by the holy Spirit of God. That Spirit makes us brothers and sisters, with one Father of all (Eph 2:18).

Fix your thoughts on Jesus - This is the crux of the matter. Fix your thoughts on Jesus. Capture every thought and make it obedient to the Lordship of Christ. Period. He is King. He suffered. He rose. He intercedes (makes a way on our behalf). He lives. He has all authority, and has given authority to His disciples (those who are taught by Him). He sent the Holy Spirit. He is the author of salvation, and the author and finisher (perfector, completer) of our faith in Him. He is all of these things, and yet more.
Every aspect of who Jesus is makes a difference in my faith and my life if I will just realize, apply, and live as though it is really true.

The apostle and high priest - "Apostle" means "sent out one". Jesus was sent out from the glory of heaven into the darkness of earth, to become the light of the world, and to ignite His light in us. As the high priest, Jesus has fulfilled the requirements of the law that were given, being both the sacrificial Lamb, and the one who offered the sacrifice to the Father. It was acceptable, complete, and for all time. There are no further sacrifices needed to appease God, and there is no further work to be done to add to our salvation. "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." (Gal. 5:6)

But encourage one another daily - Daily ... we need encouragement, fellowship, correction, emboldening from one another every day. Weekly encouragement will not guard against sin, discouragement, and fear.

As long as it is called Today - It is still called "Today." "Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." (Heb 3:7) Our encouragement, to fix our eyes on Jesus, is "His voice" to one another.

So that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness - Not responding to His voice will cause hardness of heart. It will cause deception. "Did He really say...?" is what the serpent asked Eve, and she was deceived, because she disregarded the words of God.
Also, the encouragement we receive from each other will keep us from being open to sin, keep us focused on the truth of the Word of God, and keep our hearts soft, open, attentive, and worshipful before Him.

Today, may I be an encouragement. May I keep my thoughts fixed on Jesus.