Keep On Keeping On (by Pastor Dave)

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10: 25
 
Hebrews 10: 9-25
 
     In isolation and reduced freedom it is easy to settle for a second best approach and a focus that is on ourselves and our immediate circumstances. We can find ourselves reducing our effort in life and relationships even slipping into a numb limbo state where we do not give much thought to what we are doing. It’s easy to do this and we can find legitimate explanations to justify our actions. I believe God is calling us as His Children and Church to do the opposite, to make real effort to share His love and to build up relationships. Here are three relationships to focus on with real incentives to do just that:
 
     Our Relationship with God (vs. 19-23); we have this relationship through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection making it possible for us to have full assurance in life and death because we are confident He has made us right with Himself. We are encouraged to enter His presence and enjoy this relationship forever, holding on to the real hope He has given. This relationship is the source of all life, wisdom and joy for us – it is exactly what we need right now and it will encourage us in –
 
     Our Relationship with the Church (vs. 24-25); neither the author nor the audience of this Hebrews letter is known for sure. What is known is that the recipients were in difficulties and in danger of falling away from their faith. We can empathise with this. They and we are encouraged to keep meeting together, to encourage one another and spur each other onto good works; this flows out of our relationship with God. We can fall into the trap of being isolated children of God, lose our joy and the Community we so desperately need. Today we have many ways of keeping in touch: online services, blogs, zoom; phones, social media etc. etc. etc. Let’s be innovative and keep meeting together. There is a purpose and blessing in this for –
 
     Our Relationship with the World (vs. 25); the Church is God’s chosen agent of Mission in this world. The Day that vs. 25 refers to is Christ’s return where we will all need to be ready to meet Him; there will be no second chances. Matthew 24 points to the signs of this coming Day; we see many in play right now. We need to meet with God, to meet with the Church to help the World meet with God.
 
     May I emphatically encourage you to keep on keeping on; eternal souls are at stake!
 
To Ponder: What specific actions can you take to deepen your relationship with God, meet as Church and witness God’s love and truth to others? If you desire further study on this read Luke 4: 38-44, 5: 12-26 and note the social, family and individual networks that helped people receive Jesus’ healing and truth; what networks are you involved in, what could you create?
 
To Pray: Almighty God, who through your only begotten Son Jesus Christ have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and resigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
 
Praise: We are God’s People
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZd6ypvfmrk