Focal Passage: Hebrews 10:19-25; 13:12-15
I remember reading an anonymous piece called ‘It’s Time to Plant our Gardens,’ that appeared in a number of church newsletters 20 or so years ago. The idea was this: in our ‘spiritual gardens’ we should ‘squash’ our differences, and ‘turnip’ for church services, and — one more — ‘lettuce’ be obedient and faithful. As sappy as such a veggie-tales play on words might seem, in our focal passage today we are seriously exhorted to do those very things!
The Scripture itself is Hebrews 10:19-25 and 13:12-15, for our final lesson in The Heart of Worship series; today’s topic is The GATHERING for Worship. Each of the two selected passages gives a different perspective on how we’re to gather for worship.(Note: In using the words inside and outside I’m referring to the spiritual CONDITIONS described in our text, not to physical LOCATIONS.)
Hebrews 10:19-25: Gathering “INSIDE” for Worship
Mike Dawson
Who wrote the book of Hebrews? Some say that it’s not plausible that the Apostle Paul wrote it; I say it’s not impossible that he did. Whoever wrote it certainly had a ‘Pauline perspective’ on Jesus … and on worship — especially in our focal passage. He pictured us believers entering the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus by the new and living way. He was referring to worship in the Old Testament days of the tabernacle and temple, when only the high priest — never any one else — could enter the Holy of Holies that was behind the curtain. BUT NOW all of us believers can enter the holiest place, the very presence of God Himself, through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
The Lord’s body, His flesh, was torn — as that curtain was — so we could enter in and hold on and be concerned about others. This happens daily in our time with Christ, when we spend time in prayer, and where we are washed in pure water (by the cleansing Word of God, see Ephesians 5:26). Daily personal worship includes the PAST, remembering the blood of Christ that saved us from our sins; and the PRESENT, where we draw nigh to Him; and the FUTURE, as you see THE DAY approaching. What a “Blessed assurance!”
Hebrews 13:12-15: Gathering “OUTSIDE” for Worship
We now focus on Jesus being like the scapegoat in Old Testament times. You remember there was a goat that symbolically carried the sins of the people outside the gate. Being right with God doesn’t happen with the “inside information” of religion and rituals; it happens outside the camp, only in a relationship with the crucified, resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 12,13 and 14 again remind us to praise God for His goodness — past, present and future!
Therefore, yes: we’re to be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works…encouraging each other: may we “squash” our differences. Not staying away from our meetings, as some habitually do: may we “turnip” for church. Let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, all the more as you see the day drawing near: “Lettuce” be obedient and faithful, mindful that Jesus is coming back — soon, and very soon.
Maybe those church newsletter pieces about our spiritual vegetable gardens weren’t so ‘corny’ after all. B&R
