Day 7 - Week 49 - Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

"...and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

Oh how we could go on and on regarding the closing phrase of this week's verse.  Lots and lots of things we could discuss here.

First and foremost, we are urged to be consistent and faithful in our fellowship with our Christian brothers and sisters, to exhort each other, all through the centuries...but "so much the more" as we see "the Day" approaching.   Seems to imply that the closer we get to the day of Christ's return, it becomes more and more important for Christians to bind together in unity and in common purpose.

Makes sense, doesn't it?  Think of all the warnings that we are given as to the times prior to Christ's return.  Jesus tells us, ""Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because of your allegiance to me. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will lead many people astray. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But those who endure to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then, finally, the end will come." 

Can you see why it will become more and more important to encourage each other to remain faithful?  To join together in worship and praise to our God in the midst of our trials?  For those living at that time, it will be imperative to hear the words of James, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

The other thing that I think bears noting is that we will be able to "see the Day approaching."  There are always those who say, and quite correctly, that no one knows the day of Christ's return.  And no one does, and no one will.  But we are told to watch and be ready, to be aware of the times and the seasons, and as this verse states, alert Christians will be able to see that the Day of Christ's return is growing near.

There are many, and I tend to agree with them, that believe this glorious Day is approaching.  How quickly, we cannot say.  But there are many, many signs in our world today that are unprecedented and, to me, indicate that things are on a fairly fast track toward Christ's return.  And as we move closer and closer to that Day, I encourage all of us to heed this week's verse to remain faithful to the fellowship of our Christian brothers and sisters.  To become more enthusiastic in our faith and to be more and more willing to share our testimonies of what Christ has done in our life with those around us.

One thing that we can say without any uncertainty, the Day of Christ's return is nearer than it has ever been before.  Challenge your faith now so that it will stand firm in times to come.

Dear Lord, I ask you to strengthen our faith...to set our hearts on fire for You so that we are not found to be lukewarm in our commitment to You.  Whether Your return is near, or still years and years away, help us to be ready.  Give us an urgency to share Your message with those around us, for we never know how much time is left for each of us.  Help us to be encouragers to each other, uniting with our brothers and sisters in standing for You.  We love You Lord...help us to love You even more.  In our Savior, Jesus Christ's name....Amen.