Title Hebrews 13:11 - 25
Contents Main text: Hebrews 13:11 - 25
*** The Saviour's Grace (verses 11-12)
The text tells about the sacrificial law in the Old Testament times when blood was offered as a sacrifice in the sanctuary for the sins of the people. At this time, the flesh of the beast was taken out of the city gate and burned. And we had to offer this kind of sacrifice every year. But Jesus died on the cross outside the city gate and shed his blood for the forgiveness of my sins at once. Can I still live a selfish and messy life with my Savior who paid such a high price to sanctify me? I remember Peter's words, "It is written, Be holy, because I am holy" (verse 16). What is my life like now?
*** Spiritual vision (verses 13-14)
The writer of this text again and again tries to focus my focus on this important fact. I must never mix my life with the world. I can't sit still as if this is my hometown. To enter the kingdom of heaven full of joy and glory, we must live while looking at the things above that will come. Therefore, we must prepare ourselves for the shame, ridicule, contempt, and persecution we will face if we live like the Lord. Of course, you can't help but be afraid of such things, but when you look at the risen and glorified Lord, do you gain courage and keep holding on to what you need to walk this road with the Lord? Am I not rejecting the Lord who died for me?
*** Spiritual sacrifices (verses 15-16)
It is difficult to do good, to be faithful to one's work, and to enjoy the fellowship and community of saints. But because of the hardships of life in this world, there are many who wait anxiously for my vision and the hope of the Lord. When I praise the Lord for His mercy toward me every day, I can let go of my narrow attitude. Why is the sacrifice of praise necessary? This is to give thanks to all the grace the Lord has given me, to my friends, family, church, and the beautiful nature that He has granted me. Do I want to offer a sacrifice of praise?
*** Humility, obedience and love (vv. 17-18)
*** The power and grace of peace (verses 20-25)
God is a God of peace. Believers can enjoy peace in their hearts regardless of the hatred, division, and dangers of this world. God is the shepherd of the sheep. Many people wander aimlessly in search of someone to lead the way, but believers who believe and follow the Lord are safe because the Lord is the shepherd. The world is groaning in pain and despair because of sin, but the saints are people who live with the God of grace, even in moments that seem to break their hearts. Do you believe that even if you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will be safe because the Lord is with you? Whenever I need it, the God of grace helps me with an abundance of great grace.
You must cherish that grace.