I was excited when I started my journey in the book of Hebrews and that same excitement carries me to the end of this amazing book of the Bible. There’s an immense amount of scriptures that have wrapped themselves around my soul including the concluding benediction to this book.
The exhortation in 20 and 21 have captured me because of the encouragement that is expressed within them. Take a read and let me share with you what I love about them.
Hebrews 13:20-21 New King James Version (NKJV)
Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell
20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you [a]complete in every good work to do His will, working in [b]you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Can you feel the present tense of what you just read? It starts with the word “now” and last time I heard, now, means now. It doesn’t mean later or in the distant future. This exhortation is something I can gravitate towards right now.
Then move with me to who is offering peace? None other than God Himself the true source of serenity and well-being. Peace amid the storm, peace during chaos, & peace in a pandemic. We can have peace through God Himself. What a place of rest this can be when we tap in.
Not only is God bringing peace, but He brought up Jesus, our Shepherd from the dead. Not any Shepherd but as the text says our Great Shepherd. Jesus is our keeper and laid down His life for His sheep (us) in an everlasting covenant that brings us the good news of salvation.
This is where my heart leaps for joy in a very personal way because the exhortation is for God to make our completeness and wholeness in every good work to do His will. This gives me encouragement and confidence that it is God’s will in EVERY good work that I am whole not broken or battered while trying to do His will. While in every area and working in me what is pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ my Great Shepherd.
In conclusion, I am overjoyed that God is doing a work in me that is pleasing in His sight. That work will lead to more goodness that’s complete according to His will. This brings peace to my mind and soul that all things will work together for my good according to God’s will.
Excellent!
I felt my body relax as I read this and allowed the words wash over me.
Thanks for sharing from God’s Word.