Author Archives: chadzaucha

Hebrews 3:13

[13] But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (ESV)

Some form of that word “exhort” (parakaleo in the Greek) occurs 109 times in the Scriptures, which tells us it is a really big deal to God. It literally means to “urge, beg, appeal, encourage, comfort”. Ultimately, it is the act of brothers and sisters in Christ speaking words of weight to each other that foster growth in Christlikeness. I am struck by the fact that Hebrews 3:13 tells us that this is to happen “every day.” For that to happen will require several significant changes:

1. We will have to relate to one another more regularly, certainly more often than a couple of Sundays a month when it fits our schedules.
2. We will have to relate to one another more deeply, speaking words of weight that go beyond small talk.
3. We will have to relate to one another more vulnerably, giving permission for others to speak the truth in love to us.

Yeah, this isn’t business as usual. It will be unusual, different than the surface relationships of the world (and much of the church). But that’s the idea. We are not the world. We are called to something greater.

Hebrews 3:13 ends with a warning: “that you may not be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” If we do not actively pursue these kinds of relationships, we can expect our hearts to become cold and hard.

Are there steps you need to take today to pursue relationships of exhortation?

It is hard to believe that Josh is in his last semester of undergrad studies at Olivet Nazarene University. He will be done at Thanksgiving with a degree in political science and is applying to law schools for next year. He is gaining some valuable experience working in the Kankakee Co. Courthouse. Some big decisions will be made in the next few months, so please keep him in your prayers.

From a blog post about a decade ago: What if you could meet the actor from the very best scene of your very favorite movie? That was the gift Josh gave to me yesterday for my 39th birthday. If I was stranded on an island with only one movie to watch over and over (and lots of batteries) it would be “Field of Dreams.” My favorite scene is when Ray Kinsella (played by Kevin Kostner) plays catch with his Dad, John Kinsella (played by Dwier Brown). Dwier Brown’s son is in Josh’s class at school and Josh arranged a meeting for my birthday. It was way cool. Thanks Josh!