September 13 – Gathering each Sunday, strengthening the eyes of faith

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 

Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

How does faith convince you we are in the last days before Jesus returns with all His holy ones? The list in 2 Timothy is pretty damning of our world. If you look at Scripture and compare it with the world, with the destructive habits and waywardness of the human heart, you know these are the last days. It’s easy to lose hope and wonder, is God really Lord over all of this?

No wonder Hebrews encourages believers to join with other believers in church. This is vital as the sinfulness of the world is all around us. As believers, we hold fast to our confession that Christ the Lord is risen and is seated in power at the Father’s right hand. The following is a gross illustration, but effective. When you have a generalized infection leading to a boil in the skin, the infection needs to be gathered. If you poke the boil prematurely, much of the infection is still dispersed. If you wait until the boil is full, and the infectiousness is gathered, all the vileness comes out when it is lanced. Think of the latter days in this way. The poisonous evil is gathering. Jesus is patiently waiting for the Day of His return when He will, with one stroke defeat evil.

Mature Christians must stir up young Christians to love and do good works. When the days seem darkest, the light of Christ that shines forth from us is especially powerful to those accustomed to darkness. Every Sunday, believers see the Day of Jesus’ victory drawing nearer.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray for leaders and governments and all in authority, that they may recognize the Lordship of Jesus Christ; plead with the Spirit for believers to be renewed in confident hope of Christ’s sure victory at the Day of His return.

Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart and his wife Carolyn are now in their seventh year living in Moncton, NB. with Redemption Prison Ministry as a pastor in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com