Good morning!
Text: Hebrews 7-10; Psalm 26
I recently read an article that reported that regular church attendance is on the decline, even among committed Christians. The data confirmed what I and my pastor friends all see – that not many years ago, most Christians were committed to carefully guarding their Sunday mornings so we could worship together with our brothers and sisters in Christ. These days? Not so much. Today’s readings includes a passage that speaks to this:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
The core of these words is in the encouragement that we all need. We are to be paying attention to one another and always looking for openings to spur one another upward – toward love and good works. We must gather for worship – together – that we might be an encouragement. This text shows us the alternatives: Neglecting going to church versus encouraging one another.
When we choose not to come to a Sunday service, we are withholding our encouragement. Note also that the text ends with the idea that we are to be increasingly committed to being together as we “see the Day drawing near.” Is there any doubt that the Lord’s return is closer toady than it was yesterday? That said – it is a great joy and powerful encouragement to be together worshipping the Lord with one another. Our “Sunday meeting” is a treasure to be guarded.
in Him, Mike