Day 12 — Draw Near And Encourage One Another

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus has opened the way for me to draw near to you. Help me to trust his sacrifice, hold firmly to the hope you have promised, and notice how I can encourage others. Keep us meeting together and growing in love as we wait for Jesus to return. Amen.

Headline

Because Jesus has opened the way to God, we draw near to him and encourage one another to persevere in faith and love.

Hebrews 10:19-25

Comment

How does Jesus open the way for us to draw near to God, and what does that lead us to do together?

Yesterday, Psalm 27 showed us David’s longing to dwell in the Lord’s presence. Today, Hebrews shows how Jesus has opened the way for us to draw near—and how those welcomed by God belong to one another and help each other persevere.

The word “therefore” links today’s passage to what the writer has said about Jesus. He is our great High Priest, who offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. His blood has cleansed those who trust in him, and he has opened a “new and living way” into God’s presence (vv.19–21). The temple curtain once marked the boundary between the people and the Most Holy Place. Now, through Jesus’ death, the barrier has been dealt with. Access to God is open.

That is why we can approach God “with confidence” (v.19). This confidence is not pride or a belief that we have made ourselves worthy. It rests on Jesus’ sacrifice and his work as our priest. We come with a “sincere heart” and “full assurance” (v.22), trusting that he has done what we could not do. We do not draw near to earn a place in God’s family; through Christ we have been welcomed as his children.

The passage then gives three connected invitations: “let us draw near” (v.22), “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” (v.23), and “let us consider how we may spur one another on” (v.24). The repeated “let us” matters. Christian faith is personal, but it is not meant to be lived alone. We need one another to keep trusting Jesus, especially when grief, disappointment, unanswered prayer, distraction or apathy tempt us to drift.

To “consider” how to spur one another on means paying attention. We ask what another person may need in order to keep following Jesus. Sometimes encouragement is a reminder of God’s promises; sometimes it is practical help, prayer, or a loving challenge to take the next faithful step. The goal is “love and good deeds”, not simply feeling welcome or being affirmed. Christian encouragement helps another person persevere in the life Jesus calls us to live.

That is why the writer says “not giving up meeting together” (v.25). Coming to church does not make us Christians or open the way to God—Jesus does. But gathered worship and Christian fellowship are gifts through which God strengthens us and gives us opportunities to strengthen others. We hear his word, pray, sing, share the Lord’s Supper, and learn one another’s joys and burdens. Turning up matters, but the deeper calling is to notice and encourage one another.

The writer says this matters “all the more” as we see the Day approaching (v.25): the day when Jesus returns and brings his people into the fullness of God’s promised future. We persevere together because our hope is sure and our Lord is faithful. Belonging begins with drawing near to God through Jesus, and then we help our brothers and sisters keep drawing near too.

Why does God want me to hear this today? Perhaps shame or weariness is making you hesitate to draw near to God, or you have been trying to persevere without letting other Christians know how you are going. This passage points you first to Jesus, whose blood has opened the way. Then it invites you to hold on to hope with God’s people and to help someone else do the same.

Reflect

• What makes you hesitate to draw near to God, and what does Jesus’ sacrifice assure you of?
• Who might need your specific encouragement to keep following Jesus?
• How does meeting with other Christians help you hold on to the hope you profess?

Action

Think of one person you can encourage towards love and good deeds. Contact them this week, ask how they are going, listen carefully, and offer to pray with them. If you have been carrying something alone, take a step towards being known by a trusted Christian and ask them to pray for you.

Closing Prayer

Gracious Father, thank you that Jesus, our great High Priest, has opened the way for us to draw near to you. Forgive me when I rely on myself or withdraw from your people. Help me hold firmly to the hope you have promised, and teach me to notice, encourage and strengthen my brothers and sisters. Keep us faithful as we wait for the return of Jesus. Amen.