Focus
Turn off your cell phone, TV, or radio. Listen to the silence that is around you. Listen for God to speak to you.
Read
A Call to Persevere
19 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Reflect
Today’s scripture lesson from Hebrews chapter ten encapsulates an encouragement to look ahead in one’s faith and discourages one from being stuck within the past. The author encourages us to approach the sanctuary of life with “confidence” (10:19) and “let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (10:22). We are able to do so with “hope, without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful” (10:23). Then this scripture takes a turn. With the confidence and hope in the One who has promised to be faithful, a condition is attached. “Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds” (10:24). Service to and with others within the community of faith and beyond instigating love and actions that build up the body of Christ and all of creation.
There is another occurrence in this scripture that needs recognition. The use of the plural pronouns “we” and “us” should not be overlooked. It is a collective encouragement for the community of faith to have and to hold an existence together. The phrase “let us” is used three times indicating a community in action, moving, approaching, holding, and considering together. We often think that faith in Christ is an individualized journey of life; a way of living that is private and inward. However, the early Church was consistently encouraged to worship and do ministry together as a community of believers. The last verse of today’s scripture lesson ends with an encouragement of not overlooking the importance of meeting together.
Pray
May our celebration of worship together bring joy, understanding, and closeness to You O God that we may know of Your grace and live in the abundance of Your love. Amen.
Go with God.
