Gathering for Purpose
/March 11
Hebrews 10:24–25
“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.”
Illustration by Gustave Doré
We were created for community. Our sin draws us into isolation. In our busy day-to-day lives it’s rather easy to get so consumed with everything we have to do that we fail to remember our need for community. When we are struggling, the moment we need community most, we often push those closest away from us. In Hebrews 10:24–25, we are told to consider how we might encourage one another to love and good works. How are we to do this when we begin to neglect to meet together? Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us of the truth that we need one another to survive. We need the daily, weekly, and monthly encouragement.
For nearly 2,000 years, Christians have been gathering on a weekly basis to worship the Lord, hear the Word preached, and encourage one another. If they needed it then, what makes us think we don’t need it today? For many, the Sunday worship gathering has become optional; however, the writer of Hebrews compels us to not neglect meeting together. We often think, “What will it hurt if I miss just one day?” Unfortunately, we fail to see two important truths. First, we miss the cumulative effect. It’s not that we’ve attended one gathering but that we’ve attended several gatherings consecutively. Meeting together regularly has a way of transforming us over the long term. Second, we fail to see how easy it is to begin missing week after week. The point is not to go to church to say we’ve gone to church. The point is to make attending worship a regular rhythm in our lives because we need one another and we need the Lord. Tomorrow is Sunday. Don’t miss the opportunity tomorrow to be encouraged and be an encouragement. Don’t neglect to meet together.
Reflection
- How has the Lord used community to encourage you?
- How have you been an encouragement to others within the church?
- Be honest with yourself. Have you fought to not neglect meeting with other believers for Sunday worship gatherings? If you have neglected regularly attending worship gatherings, how can you begin to prioritize Sunday worship gatherings?