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A SHOW OF BROTHERLY LOVE
LORD’S DAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Hebrews 13:18-25
1 Timothy 2:1-8
 
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all,
supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks, be made for all men.”
 
A SHOW OF BROTHERLY LOVE
 
Love is a virtue that strengthens the fellowship of believers. The epilogue to the epistle shows the mutual relationship and brotherly love that the writer had with his readers. He called on them to intercede for him and his companions, hoping to see them soon after. The salutation also revealed the affection they had for one another.
 
The final request, “Pray for us” (Heb 13:18), was a call for intercessory prayers. The Apostles depended on the prayers of the saints as a concerted effort to bring to pass the will of God in their ministry. They were sure and had a good conscience in all things and were willing to live honestly. The Lord gave them the ability to do His work. He also directed His servants to the fields that He had chosen and moved the hearts of sinners to believe. This was evident at the beginning of the Apostolic ministry in the book of Acts where they related instances of clear heavenly guidance in sharing the good news. Prayers of the faithful made this possible. The Apostles served with confidence knowing that it was the will of the Lord to be thus engaged.
 
On the other hand, there were preachers who abused their religious privileges, resulting in their hearers’ rejection of the gospel. These preachers were equated to followers of false religions or professing Christians who did not have Christ.
 
The writer here defended his ministry saying that he had a good conscience and was willing to live honestly in all things. Prayer would prove his words to be true. He requested for prayer that he might be with them soon. The hope of his soon restoration to his readers seemed to imply that he had been compelled possibly by imprisonment to be away from them. The ministry of the gospel did not give him physical comfort but he was satisfied with his work.
 
THOUGHT: If God is on one’s side, the prayer of the church would help one bear any negative consequences.
PRAYER: Father, may I always support Thy servants’ work for Thee through prayer.

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