READING: Hebrews 7-10
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: When I was a young teenage believer, I rebelled just enough that I would occasionally skip church for a few weeks in a row. Inevitably when I did, some well meaning brother or sister in Christ would challenge me to come back by quoting Hebrews 10:25 — “not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
While that text certainly calls us to gather together and encourage one another — especially in light of Jesus’ imminent return — my friends seldom quoted the verse that precedes Hebrews 10:25 — “And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works” (Heb. 10:24). They wanted me at church, but they didn’t often urge me (that is, “provoke” or “spur” or “stimulate”) me to live faithfully every other day.
All of us need somebody in our life who loves us enough to challenge us to turn from sin and adore Christ, knowing that He could return any day. That’s one of the reasons God places us in a local church body — to connect us with the person or people who will play this imperative role in our life. He divinely intersects our lives because He wants us to honor Him with righteous living.
Who is that person for you today? And, are you that person for somebody else? Who will be more holy today because you challenged him or her to be so?
ACTION STEPS: First, thank God for that person or those people in your life today. Then, send a brief email to someone you love, humbly encouraging him or her to be faithful to God today.
PRAYER: “Lord, You are gracious to give us brothers and sisters in Christ who love us. Give me someone who pushes me toward godliness — and let me be that person for someone else today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Hebrew 11-13