Tuesday 20 January 2009

Background

The people for whom our writer composed this letter wereChristians who had formerly been Jews. Clearly they had begun theirnew life as Christians well, although in all likelihood they facedconsiderable opposition from the Jews who had remained Jews -faithful to the old Covenant (obedient to the Jewish Law). Theywere clearly a congregation, or number of congregations, that wereworking hard and showing their love in action to other Christiangroups that were springing up.

Was our writer concerned about what could happen, or was alreadyhappening, once the first flush of enthusiasm was beginning towane? John Wesley (one of the founders of Methodism) had similarconcerns at the end of his life. He wrote, "I do not fear that thepeople called Methodists should ever cease to exist ... I only fearthat they should exist as a dead sect having the form of religionbut denying the power thereof."

It is as if Wesley was saying to them, 'Just because God will notforget what you have done, don't rest on your laurels.' He urgedhis followers to make every effort to persevere and not to be lazyin the exercise of their faith and witness. This issue is a crucialone which surfaces in the Church down the ages. We cannot earnGod's grace by good works - grace is free and undeserved - but norcan we just sit and accept God's grace without responding inthankfulness for it. Grace and works: a difficult balance which hasbeen the source of much argument and discord throughout Churchhistory.

So perseverance is the name of the game. Encouraging one another,building one another up so that we may not just make a goodbeginning in our life of faith, but continue to grow in love andunderstanding until we 'finish our race' - that is what we aim forin the Christian life. Serving and encouraging each other is vitalto achieving this.

To Ponder

What can we do to ensure that we do not overlook,or take for granted, the work and loving service of people in ourChurch?

Think about when you last gave and last receivedpraise and encouragement from another person in your Christiancommunity. Why do you think many people find giving and receivingpraise and encouragement difficult?