Before You Leave
READ: Hebrews 13:1-8
“Now remember, stay together and never leave each other’s sight. Don’t talk to strangers and check in once in a while. Also, wash your hands before you eat, because there are germs crawling everywhere in those places. One more thing, take a jacket, because it could get chilly.” This is what my mom used to say to me when I went to the fair. In fact, she still does.
The writer in Hebrews was also leaving some lasting words of encouragement for them before he left. “Keep loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers…Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” (vs. 1, 2a, & 5)
All of these may seem like just a bunch of rules, but they are not to be taken as so. These are words of encouragement to help strengthen the faith of the Hebrews and us. Just as my mom told me what to do and what to look out for, so was the writer of Hebrews. As we go through life, there won’t always be an “over-protective mother” there to look after us. This is why God gives us His words to live by. In verse five of our text, and throughout the Bible, He tells us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Jesus gives us this promise before He left this earth and it still holds true today.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What are some rules your parents give you before you leave the house? What are some other words of encouragement that Jesus gives us? Who have been the encouragers in your life?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Praise God for all the encouragement He has given you. Thank Him for those who have built you up in faith. Ask God to let your light shine in order to be a better encourager.