Likely for some the fear of losing a house or a job might prove to be too much of a temptation and they would stay home most of the time. For others though, I suspect that the church would become more of an oasis and far sweeter than ever before. Something they would never, ever, want to miss.

“I won’t let cancer take away my Sundays” these are some words I won’t soon forget.

I heard them last Sunday from a sweet saint, who despite being in quite obvious pain made her way to church just like she had for the past year since learning about her cancer. Soon she’ll begin her second bout of chemo and she requested prayer from the elders. She went on to say that despite being in great pain she simply didn’t want to miss out on worshipping God with her brothers and sisters in Christ.

The profundity of her mumbled explanation for why she hadn’t stayed home this Sunday or any in the last year for that matter hit me hard. I’ve always said that there’s no place I’d rather be than with God’s people on Sunday morning and Sunday night but I’ve never had cancer in my lungs. Perhaps the bed would be a greater desire for me if I had cancer. And yet for this sweet saint, church was better despite the pain she incurred in coming.

I couldn’t help but think about Hebrews 10:32-34.

Paul here in these verses is reminding the Hebrews about the former days when they suffered severe persecution for their faith. He says,

But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.

Paul tells these people experienced some very difficult times. Losing their homes, beatings and imprisonment and of course many lost their lives as well. Meeting with and being recognized as part of the church was difficult. It could bring some serious consequences.

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