E.O.A

By Becca

This is the last post I'll write at home, at least for a while now. This weekend Beth and I will be heading back to school. I still can't quite believe it, even though my suitcase is packed and the plans have been made... the summer seemed to whirl by faster than any before. 

Is this what growing up feels like? 

Before we leave home and get swept back into the world of structured education, we thought we ought to share a post with you; it might be a little while before we have time again.

So, here is another acronym.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today', so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.  Hebrews 3:13

This one is inspired mainly by these two verses, both gems of truth- and often overlooked at that. The verses portray an uplifting and lovely sentimental message, none too convicting and mostly just a nice thought to keep throughout the day, right? But the word "encourage" is an interesting one here I think. Why, you may ask? There's nothing too extraordinary or unusual about it. It's quite well worn and familiar. 
Exactly; here's what I mean. When you think of encourage- what's the first thing that comes to mind?
Most likely you think of the first definition that the dictionary comes up with as well:
"Give support, confidence or hope to someone." 
Awww, isn't that a sweet thought? 
It might fit comfortably into the 1 Thessalonians 5:11 verse, but when you look at Hebrews 3:13, it doesn't seem quite right... "Give support to one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today', so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."  It kind of works, but it seems to fall a bit flat, don't you think? Give support so as not to be hardened by sin? Here's a pat on the back for you, have a sinless day! But that's the kind of modern, watered down, definition that's all wishy-washy and makes people feel good.  I wonder if the original audience of Paul's letter understood it a bit differently. Let's see what the original word was in the Greek.
"Ooo! She's pulling out the Greek!"

Parakaleó: to call to or for, to exhort, to encourage. 
The definition they give at Bible Hub  is this:
(a) I send for, summon, invite, (b) I beseech, entreat, beg, (c) I exhort, admonish, (d) I comfort, encourage, console.

Now that is a potent definition! This isn't just a "Attaboy!" or thumbs up.
This is far more then that.

Each one of these defining words needs a closer look,
 but I'll just chose two to zoom in on.

Beseech: ask (someone) urgently and fervently to do something; implore; entreat.

Admonish: warn or reprimand someone firmly. Or, advise or urge (someone) earnestly.

Let's try it again, with this new information:

"But implore, urge earnestly, even beg, one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today', so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." 

Now that sheds a different light on it doesn't it? 

 The Prince of the powers of the air is ruling over this ever darkening world. We must stay alert, we have to stay awake- we cannot allow ourselves to be lulled to sleep, to let our eyes shut for even a moment.  "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

We must keep each other awake, we must stand fast, and we cannot do it alone.

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today', so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13