December 4
Bible Reading: Acts 28:11-16
Acts 28:15, “And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.”
That the Apostle Paul would arrive in Rome was never in question, for Jesus had decreed it so (Acts 23:11). But the journey there was an incredibly arduous one, in which Paul faced false accusations, hostile courts, murderous plots, lengthy imprisonment, utter shipwreck, venomous snakebite, and who knows what other kinds of troubles. There was no vacation to look forward to. No home to rest in, for he had no home. But God worked through his people to refresh his spirit.
Three years earlier Paul had written these words to the church in Rome: “For I long to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to you—that is, that we might be mutually encouraged by each others’s faith, both yours and mine” (Romans 1:11-12). He reiterated that desire in the conclusion of his epistle: “…that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company” (Romans 15:32). So, having arrived, Paul takes courage in the refreshing presence of the brethren. They longed to see him and came from afar. But as much as they yearned to see the beloved Apostle, Paul yearned for their refreshing presence.
Fellow believers are like rays of light shining in this dark world. As the darkness grows, they shine even brighter. When the journey grows long and the burdens increase, there is no substitute for the encouraging presence of those who are traveling along the same path. The choir of voices that sing in faith of the glory and grace of God mutually inspire all to persevere. Hands reach out to weary travelers, keeping a watchful eye over those who are prone to wander and lifting those who have fallen. Courage is availed to each in the presence of the many.
Believers are mutually encouraged on the Lord’s Day and once again sent out into a dark and hostile world. The yearning for fellowship is Spirit-borne in us with the full realization that it is impossible for any of us to survive spiritually on our own. The brethren refreshed Paul, and we need the same with each other (Hebrews 10:24-25).
“…but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”—Hebrews 10:25
BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne
we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
We share our mutual woes,
our mutual burdens bear,
and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
When we are called to part,
it gives us inward pain;
but we shall still be joined in heart,
and hope to meet again.
This glorious hope revives
our courage by the way;
while each in expectation lives
and waits to see the day.
LookingtoJesus 