Stir Up the Feathers

~~~ Hebrews 10:19-25 ~~~ Psalm 24 ~~~ Mark 4:21-25 ~~~

 

 

"...We must consider how to rouse one another

to love and good works.
We should not stay away from our assembly,
as is the custom of some, but encourage one another..."
 

Do you ever use the word rouse?

It is not a word I typically use.

 

Here is how the word rouse is defined...

to bring out of a state of sleep, unconsciousness,

inactivity, fancied security, apathy, depression...

The origin of the word is fascinating as well.
originally used of hawks shaking the feathers of the body,
Meaning 'to stir up, provoke to activity' is from 1586;
that of 'awaken' is first recorded 1590.

So today the unknown author is writing this letter to the Hebrews
 trying to get the people 'stirred up' about love and good works.
Apparently he is writing because those who had been believers
were no longer joining with the others in the community.
When you are not associating with other believers
you are more likely to become apathetic and disillusioned.
This is one reason why attending church regularly;
worshiping with others is so important.

The goal and purpose was to get things going again.
They had become a concern because of their 'whatever' attitude.
Their spirits needed to be roused by 'whatever' means
the author could devise.

The world today is filled with apathetic people.
Apathy is like being dead without physically dying. 

 

 

 The author wants to encourage the Hebrews to wake up...

to seek the face of God.

This is what a good retreat will do for you;

it will rouse your weary spirit.

With your spirit awake hopefully you will long

 to seek the face of the Lord.

You will want to be in his presence.

You will no longer be apathetic about your relationship with God.

 

Apathy is dangerous it can lead to dispair.

The state of dispair is exactly where the Evil One hides out

ready to grab hold of your soul.

 If you are in the constant world of 'whatever'

I urge you to break out.

Find someone who can rouse your spirit.

Reamin close to those who have a stronger faith than you have.

Pray to God for an end to your apathy.

Let your light shine out to others.

If we walk in his light how can we be apathetic?