WEDNESDAY
Remember our phrase for this week is, “May God strengthen you.”
Next, we come to Hebrews 10. The author of Hebrews is uncertain. One likely candidate is Paul, who authored much of the New Testament, but the style differs greatly from Paul’s other letters. So, it has been proposed that Barnabas, one of Paul’s missionary companions, authored the letter. In pertaining to our topic this week, Barnabas actually means, “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Of course, this isn’t decisive to prove Barnabas authored the letter, but I just found it interesting as I was researching. In this letter the author’s main point is that the new covenant in Jesus is better than the old covenant given through Moses. It is full of Old Testament references, hence the title of the letter.
The author calls the whole letter a “word of encouragement” (13:22) so we could really pick any portion of it and read it to find encouragement, but let’s read a few of the key passages.
In the chapters leading up to 10, the author has painted the theological picture of how Jesus has fulfilled the sacrificial system and how we are made holy through the blood of Jesus, so that we can enter the presence and rest of God. Jesus is our high priest who mediates a new covenant between us and God. Because of what Jesus has done, we should draw near to God, hold fast to our confessions of faith, stir one another up towards love and good works, encouraging one another and continuing to meet together.
Hebrews 10:19–25 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Next, we come to chapter 12. The cloud of witnesses are the heroes of the faith from chapter 11, not the ghosts of those we know who have died, as this can easily be misinterpreted. This text is all so encouraging, but I want us to note how we are pointed to put our eyes on Jesus and model our lives after him. This perspective, viewing trials as discipline to remove sin, can help us persevere through difficult times.
Hebrews 12:1–13 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, ad is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Finally, I’ll leave you with the benediction of the letter. May you be encouraged by it.
Hebrews 13:20–21 20 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, 21 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.