The book of Hebrews was written to people who were suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Some of them were wavering in their faith and were thinking of returning to the Law of Moses. Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Christ, and reminds us of the example of the people of faith who have gone before us. Only if we remain faithful as they did in the face of adversity will we obtain the promises God has made. Our suffering and pain is nothing in comparison to the joy that awaits us, provided we remain faithful to Christ.
How should we live while we wait for God to fulfill His promises? Hebrews chapter 13, verses 17 through 21 provides us with three instructions which will help us. It says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us, for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things. I strongly urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you sooner. Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
The first thing this passage tells us to do is to obey our leaders. Which leaders? Other passages of Scripture instruct us to submit to national authorities and governors. Here, however, the writer is not referring to our political, military or civic leaders. Instead, he is pointing to those leaders he had already mentioned in verse 7, those who proclaimed the word of God to us, have set us an example of faith and who act as our spiritual shepherds.
Why should we obey our spiritual leaders? Because they have our welfare in mind. When they ask us to do something, it is for our good. They are not only over us, they are responsible for us. They will have to give an account for how they cared for us. Under their leadership have we drawn closer to God; Has our faith increased, or have we turned away from Christ?
Another reason to obey our spiritual leaders is to make their task a joyful one. What is it that makes a leader joyful? In speaking of the followers of Christ he had been responsible for, the Apostle John writes, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 4 NIV) In contrast, we cause distress if we are not progressing in our faith. To some who were in danger of leaving the faith, the Apostle Paul writes, “I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.” (Galatians 4:11 NIV) Again, he says, “how I wish I could be with you and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!” (Galatians 4:20 NIV) How do our leaders feel about us? Are we a joy to them, or a sorrow?
The second instruction in this passage is to pray. The writer asks people specifically to pray that he wold be restored to them. From this it seem that something beyond his control had prevented him from being with and fellowshipping with these people whom he loved. However, there is part of his request which can apply to everyone. He tells the people to pray. Then he says, we desire “to live honorably in all things” When we are going through trouble, particularly when we suffer persecution because of our faith, it can be tempting to lower our standards and do things which would dishonor Christ. We should pray that we will be able to do what is right in all circumstances. This request also points out that we are interdependent. We need the prayers of each other as we live for Christ.
The writer not only requests prayer, he prays for those to whom he is writing. He implies a third instruction in his prayer. He prays that God will equip them with everything good. Or, it might be translated, make them perfect in every good thing. What is the purpose of being equipped or made perfect? It is so we may do God’s will. God may equip us, but we must still choose to do His will. He will let us know His will but He does not force His will upon us. He grants us the privilege of being, as it were, in partnership with Him. He changes us and enables us but we must still do the work he desires.
By what means does God equip us? It is through Christ’s blood. It is by means of His sacrifice that we enter into covenant relationship with God. Each party to a covenant does what is in the best interests of the other. And, so because of the Covenant, God equips and enables. Because of the Covenant we do what pleases God. There are many who do good works so that other people will think well of them. But those who share in the Covenant do good so that Christ may receive glory. We need to always ask ourselves, “Who receives the glory?” If the glory does not go to Christ, then we need to examine what we are doing and why we are doing it.
The writer closes the book with these words: “But I exhort you, brothers, endure the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. Know that our brother Timothy has been freed, with whom, if he comes shortly, I will see you. Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. The Italians greet you. Grace be with you all. Amen.”
It is entirely possible to read a book like Hebrews and miss the point. It could be seen as a rebuke to those who were wavering in their faith. But that is not the intent of the writer. Instead, he means it as an encouragement. Instead of tearing down those who read it and adding to their burdens, he wants their faith to be renewed and strengthened.
The letter is a short one. Whole libraries have been written on the themes contained in it. Yet, the very brevity of the book is what gives it such an impact.
Another source of encouragement for the recipients of the letter was the news that Timothy had been released from prison. We do not know the circumstances of his arrest. We know from other Scripture that Timothy had a very important role in the churches. It must have been a great joy to the people to hear that Timothy was free to come home and serve among them again.
The writer closes his letter asking God’s grace would be with the recipients. It is God’s grace which provided Christ so we can enter covenant with Him. It is God’s grace which enables us to keep the Covenant. The question is, have we entered the Covenant? Are we faithful to it?