Provoking That Which is not

Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us … provoke unto love.” The word provoke can also be translated; call forth. Messiah called forth Lazarus from the tomb when he was dead. In the same way, we’re to call forth that which isn’t as if it were. Call forth love from others, even when they have no love and the situation seems as dead and hopeless as Lazarus’ tomb. Start with yourself; start provoking and calling forth love, joy and hope when you don’t feel it. In Messiah, you have the power to call forth that which is dead and doesn’t even seem to exist. Then provoke others. Love the unlovable, bless the unblessed, do good to those who don’t deserve it. Love your enemies as if they weren’t your enemies. Become a holy provoker. Call forth that which is not as if it were. Just as God said, “Let there be light and there was light.” When there’s no light, hope or blessing, call it forth. Provoke love where there’s no love and joy where there’s no joy. When you were dead, God called you forth to life. Go and do likewise.