A Jot from John,
Oh, the power of persuasive words! Often, when a command or stern demands fails, a gentle admonition or a loving entreaty will accomplish the purpose. Before us we have some persuasive words or “Let us” passages. If we allow them to enter the heart, (mind) they will work wonders in our lives.
Let Us Not Judge
13 Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. (Rom.14:13)
Let Us Follow
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Rom.14:19)
Let Us Not Be Weary/Let Us Work
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)
Let Us Fear
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. (Hebrews4:1)
Let Us Hold Fast/Let Us Draw Near
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb.14:14-16)
Let Us Press On
1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
(Hebrews 6:1)
Let Us Draw Near/Let Us Hold Fast/Let Us Consider One Another
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
(Hebrews 10:22-25)
Let Us Lay Aside/Let Us Run
12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; (Hebrews 12:1-2a)
The Power Of These Passages
One thing that gives power to these passages is this: The inspired writer entreats himself as well as the fellow-Christians to whom he writes: “Let us” With them he identifies himself. He does not speak as one behind them or in front of them, but as one in company with them. Let every shepherd make use of the power of persuasion in feeding and in leading the flock.
Onward Rejoicing, John B. Daniels, Associate Minister
