Dear class,
Apologies for not writing for a while.
Today's readings are taken from Jeremiah 49:34-50:46 and Heb 13.
As we round off the book of Hebrews, the opening verse is ever such an important reminder to us.
John, in no less than over the span of 3 chapters in his first epistle waxed lyrical over the importance of loving our fellow brethren. Brotherly love is indeed the very manifestation of our love to God! (1Jn 4:21)
Short of reading too much into the text, one can't help but notice the relation of the subsequent 7 verses.
1) Entertaining strangers
Not so much as if angels were truly around, but rather, respecting and esteeming strangers as FELLOW mankind, whom Christ die for! A noted example is that of Abraham (of whom Paul could indeed be referring to!) in Gen 18. Our first and foremost compassion is toward lost souls (agape love), but just as Jesus has shown, displaying and exhibiting benevolence is also important. James reminded the brethren against merely paying lip service to our fellow brethren (Jam 2:16). Paul again reminded us to "do good to all" (Gal 6:10)
2) Remember them in bonds and adversity
Note the illustration which Paul uses - "as bound with them" - "as being yourselves". We need to remember that we are all part of the same Body! Paul wrote extensively on this concept (Rom 12:4,5; 1Co 12:12-27). Our tender heartedness toward one another is ever so important and revealing toward our attitude toward God. It would indeed be very un-Christlike if we do not give a hoot or show an indifferent attitude towards our fellow brethren.
3) Marriage
Hmm...now what has marriage got to do with all this? To couples both of whom are Christians, we share an ever so special and intimate relationship, as husband and wife, as brother and sister in Christ. Marriage should never degrade to merely a legal transaction! There are times where couple stick together just because it is unlawful to divorce or for the "sake" of the kids. Brethren, this is sad and wrong in the sight of God. Brotherly love, tender affection needs to CONTINUE! When the going gets tough - WORK IT OUT! Not sit on it. This is a similar concept of what bro Philip Van Winkle mentioned about in his sermon on myths of repentance. We cannot sweep things under the carpet and "wait it out" till death or when Christ comes.
To couples where only one is a Christian, tender affection is what comes across most strongly to the world and should definitely be worked upon. Peter laid out some essential guidelines in 1Pe 3:1-4. It's no easy task, but thinking of the alternative (ultimate destiny of the unbelieving spouse) and for the sake of the children (where applicable) would be motivation enough for one to make it a life long (if need be) endeavour.
4) Covetousness vs contentment
Kinda stretching it aren't we? But think about it - when we truly put interest of others before us, where will covetousness stand. The underlying motivation for covetousness is selfish desire. That's in a completely opposite direction to selflessness. Godly contentment means we will focus on relationships that truly matter, rather than get caught up in the never ending rat race and worse, even trample upon our fellow brethren in the process.
5) Submission
In his grand discourse on submission, Peter concluded ever so aptly for us all - "Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility" (1Pe 5:5). Notice - ONE TO ANOTHER. What Peter? What about wife to husband, younger to elder, members to the eldership? They key here is HUMILITY. Christ set the perfect example (1Pe 2:21; Phi 2:5-8). We should not ever "think it robbery" to claim our "right" of authority, knowing very well the sole originator of it all is God! (c.f. Rom 13:1) The underlying principle is we are all brethren in the same body. Brotherly kindness will motivate us to be subject to one another, even as Christ was subject to God. Brotherly kindness will remove all ego in our conversation and be subject to correction where correction is due.
Let us continue to be "kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love" (Rom 12:10) that it may be well with our souls and the world may give glory to our Father in heaven.
in HIm
Paul
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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
