Hebrews 13:20-25

Reflections

Appropriately, the letter to the Hebrews ends with a prayer, some final instructions, and a farewell.

The author’s prayer for his readers is filled with truth:

He appeals to the “God of peace,” an Old Testament name for God that once again connects his readers to their Jewish roots.
He reminds his readers that God raised Jesus from the dead, fulfilling His promise to save His people, asking Him to prepare this group of Jewish Christians to live their lives in a manner that brings glory to Christ.
He asks God to equip his readers with the ability to accomplish God’s will and to live their lives in a manner that’s pleasing to God.
He acknowledges that all eternal glory belongs to Jesus.

The author’s final instruction to his readers is pretty simple: Take heed of the contents of this letter you’ve received. You’ve drifted in your faith, and a course correction is needed. Finding strength from the roots of your Jewish tradition, move forward with a sincere faith and eyes fixed on Jesus as you go.

The author’s farewell includes a prayer, some final instructions, an exchange of greetings, and information about possible visits from Timothy and perhaps the author himself. As an aside, the ending of the book of Hebrews is the strongest indication that, despite the fact that it mostly reads like a sermon or a theological paper, Hebrews is indeed a letter written to a specific community of faith.

Epilogue
As a reader of this study guide, my prayer for you is that you also would “receive this message of exhortation.” Like the readers of Hebrews, we Christians today have a tendency to drift. When you do find yourself drifting, it’s important to be reminded of the roots of your faith. Dig deeply into the truth of God’s Word, the Bible, and believe the promises and keep the commands that are found within. Most of all, don’t take your eyes off of Jesus. He’s the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior. He’s our example of how to live. He is better. He is sufficient. He is perfect.

Remember Him.

For Christ,
Pastor James Granger

Brothers and sisters, I urge you to receive this message of exhortation.
Hebrews 13:22

Old Testament References

Judges 6:24
Isaiah 9:6
Zechariah 9:10

Other Verses

John 10:1-10
Romans 16
Ephesians 4:11-16

To Consider

Have you received the “message of exhortation” from the book of Hebrews? How are you going to think or live differently in response to what you’ve read?

To Do

Now that you’ve finished the book of Hebrews, take some time to reflect. Consider rereading the book in its entirety, or perhaps review the notes you’ve taken in this study guide. Write down a few truths you would like to remember. Make a commitment to spend some time in prayer this week, asking God to give you the strength and wisdom needed to apply these truths in your life. Talk to people in your life, whether your spouse, your roommate, or those in your Life Group, about the specific next steps you’d like to take.

Part 15