Exhortation

Paul offered a word of exhortation at the synagogue at Antioch after the readings of the law and the prophets [Acts13-13-25].  As I imagine what the setting might have been like, it seems to me that Paul was probably the guest preacher who gave a short sermon.  He was asked to present it in the form of an exhortation, a style of speaking that must have been a tradition for the church at Antioch.  An exhortation is an urgent appeal in language that’s intended to incite or encourage. It can also give warning or advice.  I tend to like sermons of this type that strongly urge me to listen to some important advice.  But not all pastors or priests use this sermon style.  Some, however, like Paul, are gifted at exhortation.  In fact, many of the rest of us also have the spiritual gift of exhortation.  If we’ve worked with children or youth, we’ve probably used it, but we don’t often use it with our peers.  But we should.  The gift of exhortation allows God to speak through us to call others to important action.

Paul exhorted the people of Antioch to make the connections between the promises God made to his people in the Old Testament and the Gospel message of Christ.  In the Gospel of John, Jesus exhorts His disciples to recognize the fulfillment of the Scriptures through Him.  He then encourages them to receive the Holy Spirit on behalf of God the Father through Him [John 13:16-20].  Where are we in all of this?  We’re like the people in Antioch and the disciples.  We’re exhorted to acts of repentance and faith.  We’re also exhorted to let God and the Holy Spirit work through us with humility, just as Jesus demonstrated humility when He washed His disciples’ feet.  Today I pray for those among us who have the gift of exhortation, to let God work through them that they may encourage and give warnings or advice to others.  I pray that we’re all exhorted to greater faith, repentance, and mission.