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Hebrews 3:12-15
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. As has just been said:
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion.”
New International Version (NIV)
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As a young teen I participated on the school wrestling team. Although I was on an exceptional team, when the match began I felt like I was all by myself on the mat. Our heavyweight, Mark “Frito” Fiorito could have easily dispatched my 96 pound opponent. But I was alone. Remember the adage, “If it is to be, then it’s up to me.” With appreciation for the determination, our rugged individualism may cost us when we try to live the Christian life. The Christian life is a “team sport,” not a solo event.
We hear what we train ourselves to hear. If we drop a coin, others may turn to the sound. Our granddaughters turn toward their parents’ voices. God is speaking to us, always. Quoting from Psalm 95:7-8, the writer of Hebrews calls upon first century Christians not to harden their hearts when they hear God’s voice. Remember God spoke to Israel in the wilderness, but again and again the people hardened their hearts like flint against his will and his way. Eventually the sklerokardia, hardness of heart, was difficult to overcome.
When a brother or sister falls to sin, we never know how hard they tried to avoid it. This week I heard of two brothers who have struggled greatly. If only I had known they were having a hard time. I would have said something. So what is the answer? In some way we bear responsibility to help each other live the Christian life. We watch over each other’s hearts to make sure they are not sinful, unbelieving and turning away from God. How do we do it? Through mutual encouragement. When? Every day that is called today. Why? God is speaking every day. So we need to encourage each other to cultivate the ears of disciples, listening for his voice above the clamor.
One year my team went to the wrestling tournament for all of the American schools in Europe. When I went on the mat by myself, I found out that my teammates were there, too, cheering for me. One of them, Rocky, had beaten my opponent before. Above all, I heard the voice of my shop teacher/coach Steve Peterson. Sometimes, my dad was our bus driver. When I saw him, I felt invincible.
When God speaks today, we turn toward him, with hearts soft as clay. All of heaven is prepared to help us win our spiritual battles. Our comforter, the Spirit of God whispers like a wind. The Father watches over us, waiting for us to come to ourselves. Jesus has already won his battle against the enemy. So we fix our eyes on Jesus, and we encourage each other. If it is to be, then it is up to us. We wrestlers help each other, shouting encouragement. Like Epaphras, we wrestle in prayer for each other (Colossians 4:12). Especially today. And every day is called today.
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Pray with me:
Father, this is how we fight our battles, on our knees, listening for your voice. Help us to help each other. Enable us to take the courage you have given us and put it in others. Thank you for today, because today is always a good day to check each other’s hearts. Give us soft hearts and open ears today, we pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Join us in memorizing the Word. Scripture for this week:
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
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| Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week. In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.
Joyfully,
Duane
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