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.
I once heard of a pastor who invited a man to attend his Sunday
service. The man said he "would really like to come," but that his business made
it impossible. He sold peanuts at the ballpark. His business was peanuts! We may smile at
this foolish man, but is there not some of him in all of us?
Today’s passage from the book of Hebrews is usually attributed to
Paul the Apostle, even though some scholars think differently. But, whoever wrote it, the
message is clear. Church attendance is important. Apart from the selling of peanuts, there
are people who simply cannot come for physical reasons. But for most of us?
First, it strengthens us. The service itself renews us – singing
the hymns, hearing the sermon, receiving Communion. We take comfort in all of these. Then,
there is the fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Where else could we find
so many fine people in one place?
But there is more. We can be grateful that we are able to come and that
we live in a time and place where we can worship freely. We can be grateful that we have
enough to eat, decent clothes to wear, a home to live in. These are things many in the
world do not have.
Most importantly of all, we can be grateful that a loving God saw fit
to send his only Son to live and die on earth for us. His death gives us life!
Our Heavenly Father, we are reminded again of the tremendous
sacrifice made by your Son, Jesus Christ, on our behalf. We know we can never become
deserving of this great blessing, but we request that you help us do our very best. We ask
this in his name. Amen.
Leslie Riggle
