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
When was the last time you heard a word of exhortation? Probably at the conclusion of the Breaking of Bread last Lord’s Day. What was your reaction to that word? Once a week, the Lord provides you with that little window of blessing, to receive from him (through an exercised local brother) a message to sustain you through the coming week. That little word of exhortation that you hear on Lord’s Day morning is extremely important!
So what is your attitude toward that word? I know, sometimes it seems that the brother has a bit of trouble getting his message across. After all, he doesn’t do this very often. Maybe he’s not the most riveting of speakers, or maybe he’s raised this subject before. That’s no reason not to listen carefully and hear the exhortation that God is trying to give you.
So, what is your attitude toward this word? Is it just a period of tedium to endure until the conclusion of the meeting? Is it a drag? Is it a time to slide out for a washroom break or a drink of water? Or even to make a cell phone call to somebody? This is one of the most important teaching moments of the entire week. You should be there and listen carefully. You should not miss it. Regardless of what you think about the brother who is on his feet.
What does the Assembly do about the little word of exhortation at the conclusion of the Breaking of Bread? Does anybody mention what was said again? Does the brother who makes the concluding announcements refer to the message just spoken? Do the saints, as they shake hands with that brother after the meeting, mention his message and thank him for his exhortation? God’s pattern for this meeting includes this essential message.
In many cases, that little word contains that within it that which you desperately need for the upcoming days. Listen carefully! -Jim MacIntosh