v 25. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
You get the impression that even in the very early days of the Church there were those who missed out on ‘going to Church’ as we might say. And of course there are always good reasons for doing that. Someone is ill, or visitors are coming early, or it’s the only time the gardening can be done, or …. Well, what does constitute a genuine reason for not going to Church? I’ve heard a 101 reasons for missing out on a Sunday service, or a home group fellowship evening. Much more constructive to turn this on its head and list 101 reasons for joining in!
The writer gives two very good reasons – you will doubtless add others.
The first is to encourage one another. Following the days of lockdown the whole idea of encouraging one another is vitally important. Being confined to home and so meeting precious few people has led to all kinds of sadness and mental disorder. We are all social animals and need contact with others. That is a basic human issue which everybody feels. Those of us who are accustomed to the warm relationships of Christian fellowship feel the loneliness more acutely and so value the fact that faith unites us.
The second reason – as significant now as it was then – the day of Jesus’ return is nearer than when we first believed. We are all in the same “waiting for Jesus” mode and so we act together in being watchful and prepared for it.
Stretch yourself with the idea – why else should we come together?
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