Build Up and Bring Life
Tuesday, February 23
Build Up and Bring Life
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24
Most of us are pretty far removed from the nitty gritty of agricultural pursuits like raising sheep. That means we’ve lost some perspective on certain Bible passages that assume a familiarity with such animals. One thing that we cannot appreciate is, for example, is the fact that sheep are not very smart. Secondly, they really, really need a shepherd (emphasis on the word really here). Lastly, even having a skilled shepherd is no guarantee that they won’t wander off and do something really stupid, as an event in 2005 Turkey illustrates. The news story reported one sheep jumped to its death and the Turkish shepherds, who had left the herd to graze while they had breakfast, watched as nearly 1,500 others followed, each leaping off the same cliff, Turkish media reported1. In the end, 450 dead animals lay on top of one another. This is a gentle reminder of how much we need each other. In these dark and difficult days, as God’s “sheep” we need to stick together, to find comfort and strength from one another.
Even though we are not able to meet physically due to the many covid restrictions, thanks to technology there are now so many ways in which we can communicate instantly with one another. What an encouragement this can be!
Today’s verse exhorts us to consider how we may spur one another on and encourage each other. I know how important timely words have been for me on many occasions, when the Lord has prompted someone to bring encouragement just when I needed it. We can all be used in this way for one another. Proverbs 25:11 says that: “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Our words can build up and bring life.
Instead of waiting for someone to call you, why not ask the Lord to show you today who needs to hear a word of encouragement from you? And start right there. Begin praying for that person and ask God to give you a particular word for them.
Prayer for today: Help me, Lord, to not focus on myself but to see others around me and reach out. Lord, I am sorry if I have been focusing too much on my own needs at this time. Please show me if there is someone I can encourage today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.