Rejoice in Fellowship With God and Men

Finally, Paul calls attention to our relationship with fellow Christians as we worship God.  "Let us consider one another to incite  to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near."  (Hebrews 10:24, 25) The expressions "to incite to love and fine works,"  the gathering of ourselves together," and "encouraging one another" all remind us of what the communion offering in Israel did for God's people. 

The term  "communion offering" is sometimes translated "peace offerings."  The Hebrew word for "peace" here is in the plural, perhaps signifying that participation  in such sacrifices results in peace with God and peace with fellow worshipers. Regarding the communion sacrifice, one scholar observes:  "This was, indeed, a season of happy fellowship withe Covenant God, in which He condescended to become Israel's Guest at the sacrificial meal, even as He was always their Host."  This reminds us of Jesus' promise:  "Where there are two or three gathered in my name, there I am in their midst." (Matthew 18:20)   Every time we attend  a Christian meeting, we benefit from the upbuilding association, the encouraging instruction, and from the thought that our Lord Jesus Christ  is present with us.  That makes a Christian meeting a truly joyous and faith-strengthening occasion. 

In the communion sacrifice, all the fat-around the intestines, the kidneys, the appendage upon the liver, and the loins, as well as the fatty tail of the sheep-was offered to Jehovah by being burned, made to smoke on the altar.  (Leviticus 3:3-16)   The fat was considered  the richest and best part of an animal. Offering it on the altar symbolized giving the best to Jehovah. What makes Christian  meetings particularly joyous is that we not only  receive instruction but also offer praise to Jehovah.  This we do by participating -with out humble but best effort-in singing heartily, listening attentively, and commenting when possible.  "Praise Jah, you people!" exclaimed the psalmist.  "Sing to Jehovah a new song, his praise in the congregation of loyal ones." -Psalm 149:1. 

Next time: Bountiful Blessings From Jehovah Await Us

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000