YOU CAN’T DO THIS!
I remember the middle schooler’s anguish as she said, “You can’t do this! I need this!” We were living in Hanoi and attending a small international fellowship that was entirely run by volunteers. I was co-leading the youth ministry and between the other leader and I, we couldn’t manage a weekly meeting and so we proposed meeting every other week. For this Grade 8 girl as a lone Christ-follower at a very secular international school, youth group was an oasis, refuge and high point of her week. (We got the message!)
Scripture says the same to us in Hebrews 10:25, but in a positive way: “Let us not give up meeting together.” Nevertheless, the sentiment behind these words is just as true: we can’t stop meeting together because we need it. Community is essential to being formed in Christ-likeness.
That being said, we are in a unique time and given our situation and the best decision for health and safety is to not meet in-person for a time. Still, this passage in Hebrews chapter 10 contains several spiritual practices we should do:
“Let us draw near to God…” v.22 One silver lining in this situation might be the gift of time. (My kids get an hour and half of extra sleep in the mornings! Can I get an Amen?!) Draw near to our Father with extended or deeper time in the Word and in prayer. Try the ONE devotion app for your Quiet Time.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess…” v.23 The King of Kings is Lord over the Coronavirus so pray with hope for people who are infected, and pray for the medical staff treating them. Pray with great confidence and hope “for He who promised is faithful.”
“Let us … spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” v.24 Your act of love or kindness inspires others to do the same! Challenge one another - even be competitive about it (in a good way). Brett’s call for mask donations in the sermon is a good example.
“… encourage one another…” v.25 The passage crescendos to keep meeting together, and we will this Sunday, online! Until then, encourage someone. Send a Whatsapp or email of appreciation or prayer for them, or do an act of service to bless them. Be encouraged in Him today!