The
writer of Hebrews completed the last chapter by concluding, “our
God is a consuming fire”,
which demonstrates that everything God desires to be removed shall
be. In chapter thirteen and verse one of Hebrews the writer
desired for “brotherly
love” to “continue”
where we read:
Let
brotherly love continue.
The
verse begins, “Let brotherly
love...”. The
writer began with the word, “Let”
which means “allow, permit and promote” “brotherly
love”
which is the Greek word “philadelphia”
from
which we get the name “Philadelphia” in the state of Pennsylvania
and
means “cherishing and being kind to brothers and sisters; fraternal
affection”. The writer exhorted and encouraged his readers to
“allow” for “love”
for one another exist.
The
verse continues, “...continue”. The
writer added the word, “continue” or
“to remain, abide, sojourn, tarry and not depart”. Not only were
the readers of Hebrews to “allow” love for one another, but they
were to “let” it
“remain, abide and not depart” from them.
When
we think through these words in Hebrews, it may seem strange to give
such an exhortation as this, and yet, with the divisions and
separations that arise among people, perhaps it is one that should be
repeated every day. God desires for people to “love one another”
even as Jesus told His disciples, “Love one another, even as
I have loved you” (John 15:12) The Hebrew writer, who was
inspired by God to write these words, shared one of the greatest
needs with his readers, and that need continues to this day. Let us
heed the writer's words and “allow” for “love” to be
among “brothers and sisters” once again.
Next
time the writer exhorts his readers to “Be
not forgetful to entertain strangers”,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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