DRAWING NEAR "Not forsaking the assembling or ourselves together, as the manner of some is." (Heb 10:25). -- Tomorrow:
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (Heb 10:19-22)
Devotion 15 of 16
Legion is the name of those who do not take this admonition seriously. Such people have always been around – in fact, they appear to form the largest part of the average Christian congregation. They remain subjects of Divine rebuke, and nothing good is said about them in God's Word. I realize those are difficult words for some. However, it is exceedingly hard to substantiate that any person loves God and lives for Him if they have no desire to frequently be with His people. Such individuals have isolated themselves from the mutual ministry of the saints, which is one of the appointed means of survival.
Who is able to justify a person or an attitude that allows one to "forsake" what the Spirit of God says NOT to forsake? Can a valid excuse really be adduced for forsaking a practice God enjoins? What of a religious institution that actually tailors its schedule to accommodate such practices? It is stated that the Lord "setteth the solitary in families" (Psa 68:6), and has placed the members in the "body," which presumes a significant degree of togetherness (1 Cor 12:18).
In a sense, staying in the race involves frequent communication with fellow pilgrims. It requires the beneficial provocation that comes from the words and demeanor of faithful men and women. No single believer receives all that God has to give. A significant percentage of Divine administrations come through the members of the body to each another (1 Cor 12:7; Eph 4:16; Col 2:19). It is when they are "together" that such benefits are realized by the members.
It is of interest to note that great spiritual awakenings have always been marked by frequent and prolongs gatherings of believers. It started in the book of Acts, and it has not ceased to this day (Acts 1:13; 2:46; 5:42). I have personally participated in such awakenings, and have witnessed a remarkable increase in both appetite and capacity among those whose hearts were touched by the Gospel.
One such awakening occurred in Western Illinois, where I was ministering in 1956. During that time, I held a revival that lasted for fifteen consecutive weeks – 105 days. There was an unparalleled thirst for living water that could not be assuaged.
Again, in 1960, we started a fellowship in Northwest Indiana. The people insisted upon meeting two times during the week, as well as two lengthy periods on the Lord's day. We also had four week-end preaching festivals a year, which were anticipated by all. There were also additional men's, women's, and young people's gatherings. Many of these gatherings continued into the late night hours. Many powerful ministers of the Word and insightful disciples were the fruitage of these times.
In 1992, when moving to Joplin, we entered an environment where frequency of gathering was not the practice. I sorely missed such occasions, and the great ministrations that occurred during them. Again, in 1993, we started gatherings in our home. These have increased in frequency as well as length. The first day of the week we meet twice, as well as on Wednesday and every other Friday. Many attended these gatherings at the first, but soon found them too frequent and lengthy. Of course, we make no laws for people to attend these assemblies. That is a matter of personal choice. However, I have noted that those who avail themselves of the gathering of mutual spirits tend to grow up into Christ in all things, while those who do not tend to make very little progress in the faith.
Observe, the Spirit declares some people were marked by a "manner" most grievous: "Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some" (NASB). Ah, there have always been the "some," who find it easy to maintain earthly relationships at the expense of spiritual ones. There may be a hundred reasons these forsakers give for their action. They will range from a contempt for their brethren and fear of being reproached, to the imagination that they are adequate without the influence of kindred spirits. They most likely have a dominating love for other things that do not pertain to life and godliness. They are like a burning coal removed from the furnace, or a foot cut off from the body. God has provided a mutual environment in which He ministers to His people, and in which they can perfect the various spiritual abilities He has given to them. But these people choose to forsake such an environment. Whatever the reason adduced for their manner, it is unacceptable.
Let it be clear, this exhortation is not speaking of a mere conglomeration of people, where saint and sinner meet together, and the spiritual and the carnal are brought together. The assembling of reference is one of "ourselves" – those who are in Christ Jesus.
God has no children that can stand without His other children! There are none so strong and consistent that they no longer require being stirred up to love and good works. I have long observed that the most productive people in the Kingdom frequently communicate with those of like precious faith. Neglecting assembling together has been, and remains, a perilous habit, against which the Spirit solemnly warns us! No one can ignore this warning without being thrust into danger. Satan, principalities and powers, and the world, will NOT relax their relentless pursuit of your soul! You do not live in a vacuum, and dare not conduct your life as though you did. Give heed to the Spirit.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the members of His body, and for the privilege of meeting with, and benefiting from, them.