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- Apr 25, 2006
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29 May 2007
Hebrews 13:1-3
Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison as if you were in prison with them. Remember those who are suffering as if you were suffering with them.
The final chapter of the book of Hebrews sees a series of short instructions on conduct and attitudes before the final closing words. All good advice this - some of it echoing Jesus words.
I am reminded that in some families, whilst you may not always get on, and at times not like each other very much, there can still be love. Sometimes the church family can be like that too - it would be much better if we liked each other too, but love as brothers and sisters is called for at the very least.
We are urged to welcome strangers, not "just in case they are an angel" but because the Christian message, the Christian call, is to love our neighbours (those we meet) and not just those we know.
The word 'remember' in this translation is hardly strong enough because to take the Christian way of life further we are to stand alongside the prisoner, the outcast, the suffering. Not just remember them, but to take action to stand up for justice and for those with no voice.
I heard this message most powerfully not in any sermon or a class, but in a song by Keith Green called The Sheep and the Goats - a line I remember most clearly was when a man was before God and saying, "Lord, I mean, when were You hungry Lord and we didn't give You something to eat? And Lord, when were You thirsty, and we didn't give You drink? I mean, that's not fair, well, would You like something now? Would one of the Angels like to go out and get the Lord a hamburger and a coke?" And yet I still walk past beggars in the street thinking they will only spend what ever I give them on cheap alcohol or worse.
Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.
Lord, help me to love, as you love me. Help me put that love into action. Amen
Written by Neil Thomson
Hebrews 13:1-3
Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison as if you were in prison with them. Remember those who are suffering as if you were suffering with them.
The final chapter of the book of Hebrews sees a series of short instructions on conduct and attitudes before the final closing words. All good advice this - some of it echoing Jesus words.
I am reminded that in some families, whilst you may not always get on, and at times not like each other very much, there can still be love. Sometimes the church family can be like that too - it would be much better if we liked each other too, but love as brothers and sisters is called for at the very least.
We are urged to welcome strangers, not "just in case they are an angel" but because the Christian message, the Christian call, is to love our neighbours (those we meet) and not just those we know.
The word 'remember' in this translation is hardly strong enough because to take the Christian way of life further we are to stand alongside the prisoner, the outcast, the suffering. Not just remember them, but to take action to stand up for justice and for those with no voice.
I heard this message most powerfully not in any sermon or a class, but in a song by Keith Green called The Sheep and the Goats - a line I remember most clearly was when a man was before God and saying, "Lord, I mean, when were You hungry Lord and we didn't give You something to eat? And Lord, when were You thirsty, and we didn't give You drink? I mean, that's not fair, well, would You like something now? Would one of the Angels like to go out and get the Lord a hamburger and a coke?" And yet I still walk past beggars in the street thinking they will only spend what ever I give them on cheap alcohol or worse.
Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.
Lord, help me to love, as you love me. Help me put that love into action. Amen
Written by Neil Thomson
