Front Porch Rockers
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 10:24-25 (ESV)
What a catchy name for a Bible study small group, “Front Porch Rockers”! I giggled several times during the week when that came to mind. Then I began to realize that it was more than just the name that caught my attention. The mere fact that this group of people met weekly, sat on the porch and not only shared with each other but also talked to neighbors and passers-by on the street was pretty amazing.
They may have invited people, prayed for some, or even given them sweet, iced tea on a hot summer day. Most likely, they shared what they had. The thoughts of these meetings became very real and appealing as I reflected on the earliest days of the church. The early Christians had to keep their faith on the down low because identifying with Jesus brought about swift retribution. However, it did not stop them. The house groups grew exponentially and when one was too big, another smaller group was born. The word and growth could not be stopped.
What stops us from sharing the love of Jesus today? There is no modern-day Colosseum where we can be thrown to the lions for non-Christian’s entertainment. And yet, we struggle with this singular act of sharing our faith. What are we afraid of? If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?
The Front Porch Rockers might have the right idea after all. There is strength in numbers. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says this: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! And Matthew 18:19-20 tells us, If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
When we meet together to study His Word, it has to go further than just the group. We have a responsibility to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. We must get out of our rockers and go to the railing where people can see us; go out in the community and become porch rockers on a mission to do life the Jesus way.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the insights that we glean from Your Holy Word. Help us to be more than porch rockers. Show us how to rock the world with Your love. AMEN.