“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
I have a little Bible study that meets in my kitchen every Tuesday morning. We have been going through the book of Hebrews and we are amazed at what we are learning. We’re finding when we really dig deep into the Word, the Lord teaches us some wonderful truths. This week, our portion was Hebrews 10:19-39, twenty verses often called “The Core of Christian Living,” or “The Perseverance of the Saints.” The writer of Hebrews encourages us to continue in the faith and not give up.
How can I as a believer in a church body stir up others to “love and good works?” I see this happening in my church right now with a group of younger people volunteering downtown at Mosaic Ministries. I applaud these young people!! Sometimes it only takes one person to encourage others to join in the work. We are better together. Together we can do more for Christ than we can do by ourselves. Last Sunday in our worship service, we heard about the persecutions in the Middle East and of missionaries who are serving at great fear for their lives. It sounds a bit like the early church and what they endured at the hands of the enemies of Christ. The first century church and the 21st century have something in common!
And what does “forsaking the assembling of ourselves together….. but exhorting one another……” In our day of Covid restrictions, what does that look like? When the restrictions first came out in May 2020, we thought it would be for a short time, then our lives would get back to normal. That has not been the case! The Word says not to give up worshiping together, but the health authorities tell us to stay home! Should we obey God rather than man? Togetherness is one of the main ingredients of love. If we neglect to gather together, we drift apart and become disconnected. Being together reminds us of the needs we each have. We share our concerns, we laugh, eat together and we worship at the throne of grace side by side, and God knits our hearts together in love. Faith in Christ, hope in the future, and love for each other intertwine as we come together as a part of the family of God.
Encourage comes from the root words to “put courage in.” How do we put courage in someone? I read a story of a group of students attending the University of Wisconsin. They were talented writers and aspired to be poets, novelists and authors. A men’s group gathered each week to critique each other’s work. They were so tough in their evaluations, they began to call themselves the “Stranglers.” At the same time, a group of women got together for the same purpose. They called themselves the “Wranglers.” When they read their works aloud, something different happened. They offered constructive suggestions and positive encouragement. Twenty years later, an alumnus studied their careers and made a surprising discovery. Not one of the gifted male students had made a significant literary contribution. But at least six successful authors were former “Wranglers.” “Encourage each other all the more as you see the Day (of the Lord) approaching.” Jesus is coming soon! Let us encourage each other as we look forward to seeing our Lord face to face!
Your friend,
Jean