Be Determined to "Let Your Brotherly Love Continue"!

"Let your brotherly love continue." - Hebrews 13:1.

THE year was 61 C.E. The Christian congregation throughout Israel were enjoying a period of relative peace.  Although the apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome, he was hoping to be released soon. His companion  Timothy had just been released, and they were planning to visit their Christian Brothers in Judea.  (Hebrews 13:23) However, in five years' time, Jerusalem would be "surrounded by encamped armies,"  just as Jesus had prophesied. Christians in Judea, and especially those living in Jerusalem, would have to act decisively .  Jesus had warned them that they would need to flee as soon as they saw these events start to unfold. -Luke 21:20-24. 

In the 28 years since Jesus had uttered that prophecy, the faithful Jewish Christians living in Israel had already faced much opposition and persecution successfully.   (Hebrews 10:32-34) Yet, Paul knew they were about to be confronted with  one of the most challenging tests of their faith.  (Matthew 24:20, 21; Hebrews 12:4) He wanted them to be prepared for whatever might come their way. They would need exceptional endurance and faith-faith strong enough to preserve their lives.  (Read Hebrews 10:36-39) So Paul was prompted by Jehovah's spirit to write those dear brothers and sisters a letter designed to meet their special needs. That letter is now known as the book of Hebrews.

All of us today should be interested in what Paul wrote to those first-century Hebrew Christians. Why?  Because we find ourselves in a similar situation. During these "critical times hard to deal with," Jehovah's people have faced all types of opposition and persecution.  (2 Timothy 3:1, 12) we have proved beyond doubt that our faith and devotion are strong.  Many of us, though,  are now living in a relatively peaceful time, with no outright persecution. However, like the Christians in Paul's day, none of us should lose sight of this key fact-soon we will face the most challenging test of our faith! -Read Luke 21:34-36.

What will help us to prepare for the events that lie immediately ahead of us?  In the book of Hebrews, Paul outlines many things that will help us to strengthen our faith.  One essential thing is highlighted in the first verse of the last chapter  of that letter.  That verse has been selected to be the year-text for 2016. It admonishes us:  "Let your brotherly love continue." -Hebrews 13:1.

Next time: Be Determined to "Let Your Brotherly Love Continue"! -WHAT IS BROTHERLY LOVE?

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