ASSEMBLING, EXHORTING
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews ten twenty-five, kjv)
Does God’s Word here assume that exhorting is a natural part of assembling?
Exhortation* implies active, interpersonal engagement in helping each other walk in the Light. We encourage, when we exhort one another to seek God in our hard times; to obey Him, to trust Him, to live a holy life, to love and forgive and so on.
Words spoken humbly and boldly, at the behest of the Spirit and out of earned relationship, can reach deeply into another even if they are simple words, and few.
STRONG WORDS
Now read Heb. 3:12-15, where the KJV again says “exhort.” Does that happen in your church? Consider how different we would be if it did.
Why do we silently watch others making choices that we know will destroy them and/or their family, and then gasp in feigned shock when the predictable happens? Or worse yet, begin a conversation with, “Did you hear about – – -?”
In what model of church are we most likely to learn to know and trust each other well enough to exhort?
IN CONCLUSION
Ponder the last part of Heb. 10:25. “The Day” is fast approaching. Our present church scenario doesn’t foster the vital practice of exhorting/encouraging each other and God is inviting us into something better! It’s the relationally-based Church that He always intended for us. Look around yourself and let it begin.
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH
March 12, 2021
CLICK HERE for a printable pdf
*See Strong’s 3870, https://biblehub.com/greek/3870.htm