We live in a turbulent problematic world and this is not news. We sometimes wish to go back to the past, in the belief that the past was better. As children we were often protected from seeing the problems of the world, so we overlook the fact that people, including our parents, have always faced tough times.
Almost 2000 years ago, Jewish Christians faced hard times, some were killed for their faith. So, they had good reasons to return to Judaism. Yes, they would have escaped hard times for being Christians, but another type of challenge will be waiting. Whoever we are, whatever we believe and worship, life will test us.
The book of Hebrews tells the Jewish Christians that Jesus is the promised savior. Jesus is greater than angels, Moses, the priests, and the Temple sacrifices; so they should not lose faith. Hebrews 11:1-2 (MSG) says: “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.”
Christian faith calls us to believe that a new world, ruled by Jesus, is coming. There will be justice, love, healing, and joy. The ancestors like Abel, Abraham, Moses, believed this message even when they were dying and the new world had not come. They believed what they could not see, and died in hope. This belief, this faith in Jesus, is the Christian foundation for hope, and strength, to endure life.
Lord, help us to understand Christian faith and hope; strengthen our faith and hope, so we can endure the challenges of life, Amen!
Jesus, our redeemer, healing the world... 
