Hebrews 13

Hebrews 13 is the concluding chapter of the Book of Hebrews. The author ends the letter by giving his final farewells and spiritual guidance to his audience. Verses 1 – 5 include five quick yet powerful words of wisdom. First, the author wrote, “Let brotherly love continue.” 

Although we often forget to operate in love, this is the most important commandment for every believer. Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said that every other law hinges upon these two commandments. Therefore, as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13, we can have faith to move mountains, the gift of prophecy, or give all we have to feed the poor, but if we do not have love, we have nothing. So, the Hebrew author reminds us to continue in love in the first verse because love is crucial in our faith—without it, we have nothing.

Verse 2 is a highly intriguing concept and reminder. The author writes, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels unaware.” This is an amazing revelation and caution to us all.  It reveals that angels walk amongst us without revealing their identities and camouflage themselves by appearing human. Imagine treating an angel with respect, showing that you are, in fact, a child of God, operating under love and the Spirit of God.

I’d imagine that angel can report back to God that you have done well. Heaven can then receive a good report of you, and I can only assume that heaven would rejoice at your conduct. Yet, the opposite could be true. Imagine unknowingly treating an angel with contempt or disrespect. Think of what that angel will have to say about you and your mindset. Thank God that He is gracious and will correct us in love. But, if we are walking in love as we are commanded, a bad report of our behavior would not happen. So, again, the author cautions us to walk in love towards all men.

Verse 3 reads, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those that are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.” Our love for others will drive us to care and pray for one another as if we are enduring the same trials that they are. The author reminds us that we are all in the same body, alluding to the fact that when one body part hurts, the whole body suffers. When people share their troubles with us, we should sympathize with them, pray for them, and aid them in the way we would want help. Remembering others in this way is also, of course, based in love.

Verse 4 states, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”  For those of us who are married or considering marriage, we need to be mindful that God honors marriage. He established it, and it is a divine, good thing. However, if we do not honor marriage by violating our vows with sexual immorality, God will judge us. It is not any man or woman’s best interest to be handled by God for perverting a holy covenant. The previous chapter tells us that God is a consuming fire, and Hebrews 10 tells us that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Let’s honor marriage and honor God by keeping marriages pure and holy.

Finally, verse 5 warns against the love of money. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Greed has been the downfall of man for many centuries. But if we believe that God will not forsake us, then we will not fall into the temptation of loving money. Whatever money can buy, we are to believe that God can attain it for us without becoming corrupt. Again, we are called to love God and others, not money or the things of this world.

The first five verses are engulfed in commanding us to love God and others properly. Let us pray that we will walk in love because it is the remedy for all that is sick and unwell within us. The remaining verses of Hebrews 13 are vital to believers as well. Hebrews 13:15-16 encourages us to praise God with the fruit of our lips and to not forget to do good and to share. It’s written that these things please God.

Hebrews 13:17 warns us to obey those who rule over us, as in our spiritual leaders. It says they “watch out for our souls, as those who must give an account”. So, if you are under spiritual leadership, you are commanded to respect their authority and submit to their guidance. If that leader is not walking according to God’s standard, they will be corrected. Ezekiel 34 shows how God views harmful or neglectful spiritual shepherds. He is not too keen on the mistreatment or misguidance of his people. Therefore, corrupt leaders will be dealt with by God, but corrupt followers will also be dealt with for their failure to follow well.

Lastly, Hebrews 13:21 states that God, through His Son Jesus, will “make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight”. How encouraging is it to know that God is still working in you to make you complete—to mold you to do what is pleasing to Him? We are all a work in progress—a good work in progress. If we are surrendered to God’s plan and will for our lives, then He is actively molding our minds and hearts to carry out the advancement of His Kingdom. He is perfecting you. Molding you. He is creating you to be a holy masterpiece, a steadfast building in which His Spirit can dwell and reign.

The Hebrew author concludes the letter by asking that his audience will take heed to the few words that he had written to them. And I am sure he wanted us to do the same. If you have not already done so, read the Book of Hebrews. It is an uplifting book, full of wisdom and encouragement. It has certainly helped me, and I pray that it aids you as well.

That is all I have for you today. I pray this review on the Book of Hebrews has blessed you. If the Lord is willing, I will return next week and begin reviewing a new biblical book and chapter. Please join me if you are led. Until next time, take care.

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Have a blessed day!

Sincerely,

Quin Arrington