March 11, 2010

Hebrews 13

It's the book in brief, which is a lovely way to end. Paul reminds them to do good works always, and the best line is (I think) "Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." Foster those who increase your love, always let it prosper and put your energy into that, but be sure to offer it to all. You never know what wondrous people will wonder into your life.

Paul reminds them that Jesus is our anchor, "be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.' So we can say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper: I will not be afraid. what can anyone do to me?'" Fear nothing this world brings, and certainly don't worry over it. We have God. Whom should we fear while we stand beside Him? He is the anchor of our souls, we shall not drift from our path. And we should not strain it by trying to adjust to the roaring waves ourselves, as if we were not anchored.

Remember what you have been taught, Paul reminds them, "Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings; for it is well for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by regulations about food which have not benefited those who observe them." Don't turn away from the beautiful new world Jesus came here to create by getting bogged down in proscriptions that did not bring His people closer to God. We are His children. Do not get caught up in craziness and flashy preachers, and do not get caught up in rules that define who is good and who is Christian and who is a sinner. All of my arguments feel vindicated in that one verse. I am currently committing it to memory.

Hebrews 13:9
"Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is well for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by regulations about food which have not benefited those who observe them."

I love that Paul, after all the quotes you get from his other books in this debate, really feeds directly into the opposite argument on the current conservative platforms.

Then Paul reminds us of the New Covenant, its parallels and completion of the Old Covenant. Because this was planned from the beginning, and God chose a people to bring Him into the world. He came down in smaller ways, barely touching us, before He became one with us. They are the storm that brought the lightning. He has always loved us so much.

Our focus now is the on the "city that is to come." The Kingdom of God is our home, and it is here. We are waiting to go home. We already are. "Let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

Remember your leaders and follow them. Always have someone to lead you in faith.

It must be so lonely to be pope, in that way. And in other denominations, the solitary pastors and preachers. Always have someone to whom you can turn, to whom you can go, to whom you can look, in your spiritual life.

I have many, I have been blessed.

Thank you.