Together in Christ: 'The Shepherd's Concern' — Hebrews 12:15

Thursday, July 18, 2024

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Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
— Hebrews 12:15 NLT

Key Thought

The Holy Spirit characterized the epistle to the Hebrews as a brief word of encouragement/correction/comfort. [1] The inspired writer repeatedly warned believers not to turn their backs on Jesus or to turn away from their faith. [2] In addition, the Spirit urged believers concerning what their response should be when encountering two kinds of problems:

  1. Because salvation comes through God's grace and our faith in Jesus for all He did to purchase our salvation, the believers should look after those whose faith in Jesus was wavering. [3]
     
  2. They should watch out for any "poisonous root of bitterness" that could spread and corrupt many among these new believers struggling with all sorts of problems and persecutions. [4]

In other words, we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, just as Jesus described in talking about a shepherd's care and concern for the sheep in his flock! [5] We are to help each other continue on the path toward Jesus and his character, compassion, and faithfulness. So, dear friend in Christ, are we looking after each other and our faith? Are we watching out for those among us who have bitterness springing up because life is hard? Let's help each other live with faith, anticipating our glorious future together! [6]

[1] Hebrews 13:22 — The Greek word, παρακλήσεως (paraklēseōs), used in this verse and translated as "exhortation" is a word rich in emotion and meaning. It covers all three ideas of encouragement, loving correction, and comfort.
[2] Hebrews 2:2-4, 3:12-13, 6:4-6, 10:26-31, 12:25.
[3] Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 3:13-14, 10:24-25, 12:15-16. The Spirit was confident that the believers would return to their full faith in Jesus and urged them to do so, as indicated in Hebrews 6:9-12.
[4] See also, Hebrews 2:18, 10:32-36, 13:1-3.
[5] Matthew 18:12-14; Galatians 6:1-3. These verses teach a care and concern that are exactly the opposite of what Cain implied in Genesis 4:9 after he killed Abel.
[6] Colossians 3:1-4; Revelation 7:9-12.

Today's Prayer

Open my eyes, Lord Jesus, to see Your beloved sheep who are struggling or straying. Use me and the brothers and sisters around me to walk beside them and help them stay connected to You. Give me wisdom, dear Lord, to know how best to listen, when best to gently "carefront" them when they are straying, and how best to check on them. I know You care about all of Your sheep, for You are my loving Shepherd, and You have laid Your life down for all of Your sheep. Jesus, by Your authority and because of Your love, I place this prayer in Your loving hands. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Hebrews 2:1-4, 3:12-14, 6:1-12, 10:19-31
  • Luke 15:1-7; John 10:1-18

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Illustration

Illustration of Hebrews 12:15 NLT — Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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