March 2014
Hebrews
10:24-25 “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good
deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but
encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Lent
is almost upon us. That time of year we
use to reflect on the past year’s shortcomings, and focus on Christ’s love and
forgiveness in our lives. Ash Wednesday
starts it off on March 5th, and for the next 40 days, we are called
to repent and renew our commitment to Christ.
Don’t
you find it interesting that the writer of Hebrews encourages us to provoke one
another to love and good deeds and to meeting together? If you look in the average house of Worship,
you will find many an empty seat. But
most people in our communities say they have a faith in God yet refuse to join
in corporate worship.
I believe too many people are convinced that
they can worship God without being in community, and that is totally wrong. John Wesley once said that there is no
holiness but social holiness, and contrary to the belief of many in our
denomination, that did not mean that social work was to take precedence over
worship. Wesley knew how important it is
for us to gather as fellow believers. He
insisted on weekly meetings and weekly worship services. For the pastors, there was the quarterly and
annual conferences to strengthen the connection. At no point were we ever to go it alone. It seems in America today, many of us want
to be spiritual lone wolves and act like John Wayne, (okay Church Norris) in
our worship. We feel the need to go it
alone.
But,
Hebrews tells us differently. We are to
meet together, to provoke one another, to encourage one another.
Brothers
and Sisters, you do not have to be alone.
God has provided a faith community for you. You who are believers are called to meet and
encourage and you too will be encouraged.
During this coming Lenten season, commit to meeting and provoke others
to share in worship and study. Continue
to pray for one another and the church and may God bless you always.
Amen
