Wed the 26th

Hebrews 10: 24

 

²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

 

In verse 24 NIV we see the word spur, in the ESV we see the concept “stir up”, and the KJV uses the word provoke. The Greek word used is paroxusmos meaning incitement. Paul did not use this word (provoke, or spur on)  as often as he used the word encourage, and when we look, we see that the word used for encourage is a word meaning to comfort, or to “reassure” so to speak. So here Paul is not simply suggesting to encourage each other, he is urging us to go get involved, take action, do something to incite love, and good deeds. That means that we need to be more than cheerleaders. We have to do more than just say yes I agree, or that is a great idea, or you can do it. Paul is telling us to take a lead role, go out, meet up spread the word actively, then encourage on another. What a tall order huh? Sure it is easy to go along with everyone that agrees with you, it is easy to comfort, and encourage, but to get out there and incite love, and good deeds is to say that we must go where there is no love, to tread where good deeds are not found. It means we must strive to be the one to start that spark….and that is scary, and it can be intimidating. Yet this is exactly what we are called to do by the Great Commission. Go spread the good news! Why you, why me? Think you are not worthy…..I know I think that sometimes…. I know a humble carpenter’s son, born in a barn that I promise you, will not agree with that thought. Inside each and every one of us is that spark, it is ours to hold inside, or to let it out and ignite a fire that will consume those around us. So which will it be? Will you be content to simply encourage, or will you accept the challenge that Paul extended? Will you go out and incite love, and good deeds? There is no place more desolate than a place with no love, or good deeds. Allow yourself to be bold enough to incite it where you find none, the carpenters son showed us the way, let us continue to blaze the trail.

May the peace of God be with you always,

Brian