Stirred... Not Shaken [Devotion]
While Bond, famously, likes his martinis "shaken, not stirred” the writer of Hebrews believes Christians should be the opposite of Bond’s cocktail of choice; “stirred, not shaken.” Okay, I promise there’s a point and it comes from Hebrews chapter 10.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” Hebrews 10:24
Yes, I realize this is a horrible joke but bear with me. The joke doesn’t get any better but the point is worth it.
When I initially thought of using this passage I had intended only to talk about verses 24-25. but as I read the context surrounding it I quickly realized that there was much more to be said than what I had in mind originally. So I’d encourage you to read Hebrews chapter 10 or at least verses 19-39.
My original intent (and still a big part of it) had been to talk about the need for Christians to “stir up one another to love and good works”. It is something that I know I have fallen so short of, in many ways, and something that I believe the church, in general, is woefully lacking. Yet it is essential that we do it! Jesus did not come to earth to abstain from sin He came to do the will of the Father (John 6:38). Yes, fulfilling God’s will includes keeping clean of sin but it goes far deeper than simply “what isn’t done” into the realm of “what is done.” Hence Jesus commands His disciples to teach those they baptize, not just to abstain from sin but to keep all that He has commanded them (Matthew 28:20). Those of you who know me will understand that I am not preaching salvation by works. But, as James says, “faith without works is dead,” (James 2:20). All this to say the church needs to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit in this passage by practicing it!
But, as I teach my writing students we must ask that deep philosophical question… “but why?”. Why is it important that we do this? Well, the first reason is obvious… scripture commands it… literally… right there… scroll up, grab the reference, and look it up if you don’t believe me. But there is a deeper context to the keeping of this command than simply stir each other up for the sake of doing so.
To understand that we must go further back in the passage.
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, Let us draw near with a true heart and a full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:19-25 ESV (emphasis added)
The author of Hebrews, carried along by the Spirit of God Himself, starts off with two profound statements about what God has done for us. “A” we are made able to come into God’s presence through Jesus (vs 19-20). And “B” Jesus is now the Priest or mediator between God and man (vs 21). But these statements aren’t just left alone the Spirit then gives us what our response should be to this wonderful renewed relationship with God through His Son.
There are three “let us” statements that follow as a reaction to what God has done. Let us draw near to God in full assurance of faith (vs 22). Let us hold fast the confession of our faith because God is faithful (vs 23). And let us stir each other up to love and good works (vs 24). In other words, we should walk in relationship with God, hold desperately to the promises of His word, and push fellow believers to live out the same faith.
We could go into the various ins and outs of each, for example how the fellowship of believers is an integral part of living in response to the work of God (vs 25) but we haven’t the time for that here. Indeed, let’s move on.
Verses 26-31 contrast the correct response we just looked at with the response of those who reject Christ saying that there is no sacrifice that can atone for their sins (vs 26). For, if they have rejected the only sacrifice (Jesus), what could possibly remain for them other than damnation and judgment for their rejection of that sacrifice?
But then the passage comes back to speaking of believers as the author of Hebrews encourages his readers to remain firm under hardship as they have in the past.
“But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” Hebrews 10:32-36 ESV
This, I believe, is why the author of Hebrews gives us the response to God’s work. For if we walk in relationship with God, hold desperately to the promises of His word, and push fellow believers to live out the same faith then we and those around us will have the strength to endure in the day of trial. Trials will come to all those who seek to follow God and it is God’s will that we endure those trials and obtain the prize that awaits us in Christ. But as Jesus said to Peter, James, and John, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41). The only way we can endure to the end is by walking with God, clinging to His promises, and stirring up fellow believers to love and good works.
Think of it as a battle… because it is. We must first be loyal and obedient to our King, second, put our trust in His abilities and strategy, and third make sure the soldiers around us are awake, alert, and prepared to face the enemy. When we urge each other on in Jesus. When we disciple and train with one another we not only strengthen others but strengthen ourselves by building a body of believers that will stand in the storm. That will not be shaken… there’s that phrase again… by the trials to come as we all anticipate the day that gets closer and closer. The day of the Lord!
So when Christians are stirred (up to good works) they are not shaken (by trials)… a really bad pun I know but maybe it will encourage you to take active steps to push brothers and sisters in Christ to practically follow Him. And I hope you too will be *in best Sean Connery voice* “stirred not shaken”.