Food for Friday
And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation, for I have written a letter unto you in few words. Hebrews 13:22
If a preacher during a ministry meeting were to stand up and begin to read the entire book of Hebrews, there would be more than a few eyebrows raised! If the preacher reads any more than half a dozen verses, we notice it; reading an entire chapter is considered significant. So, what must it have been like in Rome when the assembly correspondent stood up with this letter and started to read? I hope he had a good strong voice and good inflection. Still, there must have been some discomfort among the listeners as he wrapped up the 13th chapter. Suffer the word of exhortation, indeed! And you can use whichever meaning for ‘suffer’ that you wish. Think of these ‘few words’ the next time a preacher starts to exceed the appropriate length of his message.
The writer of this book (probably Paul) had some important things to say, some important truths to reveal and examine, some needed words of encouragement and guidance. The letter was well worth listening to. So are the messages we hear from the Lord’s servants among us. The sermons they prepare take time, exercise, and conviction. None of their efforts are delivered lightly or easily. Even for courtesy sake we should pay close attention. But these are God’s workers, giving us of their hearts for our spiritual good. These men have mined from the wealth of Scripture, not only for themselves, but for you and me.
I have heard ministry that was entertaining and instructive. I have heard ministry that was challenging and searching. I have also heard ministry that made me squirm and caused me to blush. However the word is presented, it is for our benefit. We need to hear it and we need to accept it.
Have you suffered through any good ministry lately? Let (suffer) the Word to do to you the good that the speaker intended. – Jim MacIntosh