And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…” vss. 24-25
Hebrews 10:19-25
Congregations have had a tough go of it during these long months of the pandemic. While there has been some financial assistance from the government most have had a tough time with worship. Many did not hold services at all and pastors were forced to get creative with live-streaming and Zoom presentations. There were some who liked staying at home on Sundays and “worshipping” in front of computers or televisions. Most did not! Pastors suspect that while some people will be slow to return to in-person worship because they’re still fearful, others will not be back at all. The worship habit has been broken and some aren’t missing it at all. To put it bluntly, this is not a good thing! The writer of Hebrews understood that meeting together regularly was essential, and when it was neglected, there would be no way for believers to provoke one another to love and good deeds. We need mutual encouragement for faith to remain strong and vibrant and for our congregations to bear fruit. The next few months will be critical for the health of the church. Unless we get off our couches and back in the pews, our communities will suffer. It really is time to get working on habitual worship again–it’s one habit we don’t want to lose!
Thought for the Day: How has the pandemic affected my worship?
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