Friday June 12, 2020

Hebrews 10:19-25

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching

Are we thinking with our “spurs” on? I’ve always found it helpful to think when discerning the words of scripture; look beyond the complicated to the simple. In problem solving most often the simplest is the best. In today’s scripture, I focused on the simple words, the simple commands. Verse 19-25 appears to be setting the stage for the last two verses. If this were a sermon, we would see these verses as “the point”.

So what is the point? The writer has reminded us we have confidence in our standing before God because of Christ’s work. We draw near to God in confidence. We hold fast to hope because of Christ’s atonement and God’s faithfulness. But there is more, a call to action!

We should lead, motivate, provoke or “spur” others to act, love, and do good. In the NRSV and NIV versions of the Bible, the words that are used are “provoke” or “spur”. As a farm boy, I choose the latter, “spur”.

Riding a horse you use the spurs to motivate or spur the horse into action. Too often we think too little about how we can accomplish this. Even worse, we just lay out our thoughts and just leave them. This is found in the mounting of the horse, pointing it in the right direction we wish to go, and then just sitting there.

Here is my “spur”. Think about how to motivate, provoke or spur others to show love, and do good. Then do it!

MOTIVATE- PROVOKE-SPUR

How is God motivating, provoking, spurring you to action? How can you be this catalyst to others?

Gracious God, our motivation is your love. Our provocation is the recognition of the needs of others. Our “spur” is the Holy Spirit. Motivate me, provoke me. Tirelessly, spur me on to love and do good. Amen