“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” - I Thessalonians 5:11).
There are many things that occurred during the 1992 Olympics in Spain, Barcelona, which no one ever recalls. However, there is an event that has lived through memory. In the course of the 400 meter semifinals race, a British record holder sprinter, Derrick Redmond, tore his hamstring. He hobbled to a halt, and then fell to the ground in pain. Stretcher bearers made their way over to him, but Redmond pushed them off. He got up and began to hobble along the track.
Then from nowhere his father, Jim Redmond, tore through security and on to the track, lifted up Derek. Jim and Derek completed the lap of the track together, with Derek leaning on his father's shoulder for support. As they crossed the finish line, the crowd of 65,000 spectators rose to give father and son team a standing ovation.
That event signifies in many respects the meaning of our verse today. After killing Abel, “Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” Cain’s answer was, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). Of course Cain was at fault. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.” Looking out for one another is a call for every believer. “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1).
Encouraging each other in faith is a call for every one of us. Someone once asked why Christians must engage in the habit of regularly sharing answered prayer requests. The reason is because one discouraged in his faith as he listens to answered prayer requests then his faith is awakened. This is why the Apostle Paul writes, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God, creator of heaven and faith, just as you died for my sins, may I always be looking out for my brothers and sisters, to build them up in faith, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
Related upcoming events
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04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
