Let Us Exhort One Another Daily
The writer of Hebrews was not identified, but some attribute it to the Apostle Paul. They based their conjecture from the themes being discussed and the people to whom this epistle was addressed. Personally, I would like to think this epistle was Paul’s writing. However, whether it was Paul or not does not really matter for the real author is God, Holy Spirit.
This passage was a stern warning to the Jewish believers to take heed; be careful and be cautious of those people who would try to sway them away from the established truth. Apparently, this threat continued, putting at risk the Jewish Christians because of the influence of the Judaizers at the time. These were people who claimed to be saved but they have incorporated Jewish practices as necessary to be a Christian. It was a serious threat because it was happening all the time.
The author also wanted the Jewish Christians to remain strong in Christ and not move away from the faith of the Son of God. Their faith and confidence on the Person of Jesus Christ were being affected because of severe persecutions, tempting them to return to their Jewish faith.
We are also confronted and constantly spiritually harassed today with the same threat to depart from the truth. They do this evil act when they see us hungry for new experiences. This time the influencers are coming from all directions. And the most unfortunate is they are also found in our Churches today.
If we are not vigilant and begin to put our guard down, we would end up being a part of the statistics who turned away from God. These are the “used to be” Christians who quit because they have allowed and began to listen to the counsel of the world. They are the prodigals who would not resist the lure of the world; perhaps believing, they are strong enough to resist.
The writer implies that in order for us to avoid getting influence, we need to be always conscious of the threats that are coming everyday. While we are doing the work for God, we are also equipped and prepared for the battle. We need this everyday; especially TODAY.
When we allow the virus of evil to begin doing its evil deeds without stopping or resisting, we are giving this evil virus the time to multiply, be more organized to cause serious havoc and confusion in the minds and heart of God’s people. Because the Lord has given us a special mandate to reach out and help the lost, we cannot afford to lose time and this wonderful opportunity. The enemies are bent to destroy and defeat the plan and purpose of God.
The need to exhort one another:
It is important for God’s people to exhort one another daily. The meaning of exhort is “to encourage, advise, and incite.” It is to encourage with strong warning; give advice with seriousness, and incite towards dynamic and life-changing action. From the moment we learn of the presence of evil influence, we must immediately activate the alarm to warn and prepare God’s people to resist.
The author also describes that when we fail to immediately resist the presence of evil influences, there is always an opportunity for the evil to thrive. Once they are given that chance, we allow them to make our hearts callous and begin to be desensitized and be immune to their presence . It has happened so many times in many Christian Churches that they eventually normalized sinful behavior.
Evil loves to take advantage of the Christian’s kindness and patience. Too often, we tend to give people the benefit of a doubt by not immediately addressing the issues. We sometimes assume that everything would be alright until some people are beginning to move away from God. Always ask wisdom from above and rest on His grace.
When we are confronted with this issue, we can go back to the time when we first experienced the grace and the power of God. The time when were so sure and confident about our faith. Recall the time when we felt strong, firm and established in the faith. We need to be refreshed and be encouraged again unto the end.
Procrastination is one of the sins believers are often guilty of. Our passage says deal with the challenges right now; at this moment: TODAY! It is possible when we commit to faithfully listen to the Voice of God. Our faith comes through God’s Word. The more we read and hear the Word of God; the more we grow, mature, and manifest the wisdom and the power of God.
Conclusion:
We are our brother’s keepers. It is our responsibility to protect our brethren from dangers and evil influences. Our desire is to edify our brethren by exhorting them in the Lord. Through the love of God, let us warn our brethren of the dangers lurking around. Together, we all need to be strong in grace, always care for one another; and look out for each other to help each other not to get astray or be caught in a web deceitfulness.
Galatians 6:10 KJV
[10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.