True Worship: Brotherly Love
Different creatures are characterized by different, signature functions. Woodpeckers peck; beavers dam; spiders spin; songbirds sing. Likewise, different people in different jobs are characterized by different activities. Bricklayers lay bricks; surgeons cut and sow; writers write; painters paint; and accountants count. But what is the characteristic activity of the Christian? What is it that we are designed to do – saved to do – set apart to do?
Christians are a people set apart for the worship of God. We were a people lost in sin and destined for judgment. But the book of Hebrews reminds us of God’s amazing kindness to us in sending his Son to shed His blood for us – to cleanse us – to welcome us into His presence. Through Jesus our mediator (Hebrews 12:24), we have access to heaven above. We come into God’s very presence now by faith, and in a day to come, we will enjoy the full immediacy of His presence.
The God whom we approach is the judge of all things. He will bring this present world to an end in a great act of judgment. And because of this fact, we are to respond to Him in worship. As Hebrews 12:28 explains, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
But how exactly do we worship this great God? By singing enthusiastically at church on Sunday morning? That is good, but it is not the sum total of Christian worship. We are spiritually in God’s presence all the time, through the priestly work of Jesus, by the indwelling of His Spirit. So if we belong to Christ, we are in His presence all the time, and we can worship Him all the time.
With that in mind, we are wise to examine Hebrews 13, which is essentially a handbook of Christian worship in everyday life. Some pastors have entitled their sermons on this chapter, “Worship on a Monday”. So what does this chapter have to say about worship? The key is this: “Let brotherly love continue.” (Hebrews 13:1) True worship will look like brotherly and sisterly love within the people of God that continues steadfastly over time.
It is very shrewd and insightful of the writer of Hebrews to shape the call to worship as a call to “continue” in love. It is so easy for a feeling and sentiment of love to fade away very quickly. That is especially common in the realm of romantic love in our society today. But we can be just as fickle when it comes to brotherly love within the wider church family. The writer of Hebrews urges us to “continue” in love–to persevere in love–over the long haul, through good times and bad.
This week, consider how you can “continue” to show brother love. Consider worshipping God by extending brotherly love to the persecuted (Hebrews 13:3). Consider worshipping God by extending hospitality (Hebrews 13:2). Consider how you can love one another through honouring the institution of marriage (Hebrews 13:4). Lastly, as part of this great assembly of believers, consider how you can worship God by avoiding the love of money (and loving people instead) and thus being content (Hebrews 13:5). In all of this, be encouraged: a merciful and compassionate God “will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). Let the family of the redeemed exclaim confidently, “The Lord is my helper”. (Hebrews 13:6)