Hebrews 13:20-21

Summary retelling of Hebrews 13:20-21

We are reminded that God is a God of peace.  He is the one who brought Jesus Christ – the great shepherd – from the dead.  By the blood of the eternal covenant – Christ’s blood – God equips us with what we need to do His will so that our works may be pleasing in His sight.  All of this is possible only through Jesus Christ, who is glorified forever and ever.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

God is a God of peace.  This is a claim that has been challenged often.  After all, did God not kill many of the world’s inhabitants with a flood?  Did not God kill most of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea at the time of the exodus?  Did God not have His people slaughter Canaanites when they took over the Promised Land?  What about the Assyrians that were killed by God’s hand as they marched upon Jerusalem?  This is a tricky topic to tackle, but ultimately God is about peace.  He is not talking about worldly peace, though.  He is talking about peace between humanity and God.  Jesus ultimately came not for human peace but so that we could have peace between us and God.  That is the peace the author of Hebrews writes about.

Are you at eternal peace with God?  How can you find eternal peace with God?  How much do you really value being eternally at peace with God?

Second Thought:

Our whole relationship with God is founded upon the work of Jesus upon the cross.  Through Christ’s blood we are forgiven.  Through Christ’s blood we can receive the Holy Spirit.  Through Christ’s blood we can be equipped for service in the Lord’s name.  Through Christ’s blood we can be pleasing in God’s sight (as opposed to how we truly deserve to appear).  Everything about our relationship with God is built upon the foundation Christ laid when He died on the cross for our sake.

Are you mindful of what Christ did for you?  Are you mindful of living your life in a manner that proclaims your reliance upon Christ’s death?

Third Thought:

Jesus is glorified.  His name is praised.  He has done all the necessary work; He deserves all the glory, laud, and honor.

Are you content letting Jesus get all the praise?  What makes it easier to let Jesus get the praise?  What makes it hard?

Passage for Tomorrow: Hebrews 13:22-25