Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
This final chapter of Hebrews begins with some general teaching about Christian living. It includes directives about strangers and prisoners and marriage and money. The chapter then reminds us again of the gospel and its superiority over law. The author of Hebrews then asks for prayer, writes the verses quoted above and wraps up with some personal words abut Timothy and the hope of visiting soon.
At the heart of the matter are the verses quoted above. "Now may the God of peace ... equip you..." Therein lies the heart not only of this chapter, but of the entire letter to the Hebrews. The Christian life is about God equipping us through Christ in a manner that the law could only hint at. The Christian life is not a series of repeated requests for forgiveness like the law. The Christian life is not a set of rules that can't change the heart. The Christian life is not bondage. It is rest. It is hope and expectation. It is faith in a God who once for all dealt with our sins and who equips us "with everything good that [we] may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight." The Christian life is not about people trying to please God. It is about God working in people that which pleases him.
Father, I find it so easy to slide back into law. Thank you for your forgiveness, cleansing and empowerment. Today may I rest in you.
By His grace,
Rick Weinert
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
This final chapter of Hebrews begins with some general teaching about Christian living. It includes directives about strangers and prisoners and marriage and money. The chapter then reminds us again of the gospel and its superiority over law. The author of Hebrews then asks for prayer, writes the verses quoted above and wraps up with some personal words abut Timothy and the hope of visiting soon.
At the heart of the matter are the verses quoted above. "Now may the God of peace ... equip you..." Therein lies the heart not only of this chapter, but of the entire letter to the Hebrews. The Christian life is about God equipping us through Christ in a manner that the law could only hint at. The Christian life is not a series of repeated requests for forgiveness like the law. The Christian life is not a set of rules that can't change the heart. The Christian life is not bondage. It is rest. It is hope and expectation. It is faith in a God who once for all dealt with our sins and who equips us "with everything good that [we] may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight." The Christian life is not about people trying to please God. It is about God working in people that which pleases him.
Father, I find it so easy to slide back into law. Thank you for your forgiveness, cleansing and empowerment. Today may I rest in you.
By His grace,
Rick Weinert
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