Mutually Beneficial Provocation:

Something To Think About, Comfort--It's Over-rated:

There is a cluster of exhortations in Hebrews 10 (you can read here).   At the end of these "Let us . . ." statements is one that can lead to considerable discomfort.   Hold on.  I'm going to start a verse later and back into it. Verse 25 of Hebrews ten is a favorite of preachers.  Any verse that tells people that they ought to come to church has to be popular with those of us who try to fill the pews.  Clearly, though, this verse is about much more than upward-trending attendance numbers.  When we come together we are to be those who are called-along-side-to-say-and-do-what-is-needed.  That is a very lame attempt to get at the basic meaning of the word that is translated, "encourage," or "exhort." The word is a very empathetic term.  A search of its use in the New Testament will reveal a wide range of meanings: to request, appeal, plead, or urge, as well as to exhort, encourage, or comfort.  Perhaps we best get at the meaning of the word by meeting two persons who are known for their ability to do what this word says.  Barnabas, who gave away his resources, reached out in kindness to the newly converted Saul of Tarsus and wanted to give John Mark one more chance, was called a "Son of this word."  Jesus promised that after He went back to heaven, He would send another basically this word.  The Didache, an early Christian book contains an encouragementsimilar to what we have here.  Perhaps it was drawn from this very text. “[B]e frequently gathered together seeking the things which are profitable for your souls." That brings us to this rather uncomfortable exhortation.  Working back from Hebrews 10:25, and clearly that is appropriate here, we find this:   "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works."  (KJV) We Jesus-followers are to be mutually provocative.  Just be sure you are provoking in the right direction.  By nature that is not a comfortable process.  It would appear that in modern church-world we have it wrong.  We come to church to feel good.  I ought to show up to be provoked. It's STTA.