DRAWING NEAR "Exhorting one another is to increase in its intensity and content. " . . . and so much the more as you see the day approaching." -- 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 16 of 16
What is approaching "day" of reference? As one might suppose, there are a variety of views on this subject. Some believe it was the coming destruction of Jerusalem. In this case, believers were to strengthen one another for that Divine judgment. Others believe it is the second appearing of Christ, which is drawing closer all the time, being "nearer" now than "when we first believed" (Rom 13:11).
It is best to understand this text in view of the "eternal purpose of God," which will make provision for both of the circumstances mentioned, but not be limited to them. First, to confine this to a warning of the destruction of Jerusalem limits its effectiveness to all generations. It is true, there were warnings issued in view of the "present distress" (1 Cor 9:26), but such warnings were never spoken in the tones of this text. There were options open to the Corinthians under a "present distress" (1 Cor 9:26-40), but no such flavor can be found in the Hebrews text. There are no options open to us, only a most solemn warning in the next verse. "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." I emphatically deny that such language can be applied to a warning about Jerusalem's destruction! There is nothing in this Epistle that indicates the Jews to which it was written were located in or around Jerusalem. An exhortation of this magnitude, attending by such a solemn warning, cannot be confined to a certain place and time.
Secondly, the view that the approaching day is the "appearing of Christ" is true in general, but not in specifics. The point is that the approaching day is SEEN approaching, not merely that IS approaching. To be sure, there is a sense in which this is true. However, that does not appear to be the thrust of the text.
In my judgment, this is referring to the time of assembly itself. Jesus had spoken of such assemblies, and the saints took His words quite seriously. Do you recall them? "Again I say unto you that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt 18:19-20). Also, if God honored the assembly of those under the first covenant in Malachi's day (Mal 3:16-17), what will be said of assemblies that convene in Christ's name? They meet because of Him, to honor Him, and to hear of and from Him. They gather as the redeemed, the justified, and the sanctified. They meet because they are engaged in a quest for glory, and need to have their strength refurbished, their joy refreshed, and their hope renewed. The time of the gathering is appropriated called "the day." It is a day they can SEE approaching, in which profit and growth can be experienced. It is a time when they will meet with Jesus around His table, and declare His death until He comes again (1 Cor 11:26). It is a time when they will exhort and edify one another according to the various gifts that have been dispensed to them.
Of this "day," Spurgeon well said the following. "The presence of Jesus is the fixed center of the assembly, the warrant for its coming together, and the power with which it acts. The church, however small, is gathered in His name. Jesus is there first – "I am in the midst of them." We are gathered together by the holy impulses of Christian brotherhood, and our meeting is in the name of Jesus, and therefore there He is; near, not only to the leader, or to the minister, but in the midst, and therefore near to each worshiper. We meet to do Him honor, to hear His Word, to stir each other up to obey His will; and He is there to aid us. However small the number, we make a quorum; and what is done according to the laws of Christ is done with His authority. Hence it is that there is great power in united prayer from such persons: it is Jesus pleading in His saints. This should prevent Christian men from giving or taking offense; for if Jesus be in our midst, our peace must not be broken by strife."
Our consideration of one another includes exhortation concerning our common gatherings. These are times when the Lord Jesus meets with us, as He promised He would. If He honors the gatherings of His people, what will be said of those who refuse to do so. This places a solemn obligation on every assembly to make their gatherings a place where the Lord Jesus is welcome. Let them be meetings where saints are stirred up to love and good works – places where the people of God are fed, nourished, and assisted in the good fight of faith. Cursed be the assembly that is a hindrance to the people God, where they are maligned, discouraged, and even neglected. If there be such, they are a contradiction of the very purpose of gathering together. But, blessed be those saints who meet to speak to one another of the Lord. Blessed are those who strengthen the hands of their brethren, encouraging them to press in to the Father through Jesus' blood, availing themselves of the benefits of the New Covenant! Blessed be those sacred gatherings where the faith of God's people becomes more effective, where their peace becomes more pervasive, and their hope abounds. They will be remembered by God! Be sure that you remember them as well.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus I thank You for honoring the gathering of Your people with the presence of Your, Your Spirit, and Your power.