Reading: Hebrews 11-13
Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body(Heb. 13:1-3).
The Book of Hebrews has given us an intense, in-depth look at the root of our faith. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (11:1). We have been reminded that it is through the lens of God-given faith that we recognize the superiority of Christ to the Law (Eph. 1:20-21), acknowledge His position as High Priest (Heb. 5:9-10), and joyfully accept the New Covenant that He has written on our hearts (8:10). We, the body of Christian believers, are called to acknowledge once and for all that Jesus is not a component of our faith—He is the embodiment of it. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell (Col. 1:17-19).
Faith is a priceless gift from God (Acts 3:16; Rom. 12:3; Eph. 2:8; Phil. 1:29; II Pet. 1:1) nurtured in the believer's soul by the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Initially, we may refer to faith as a ‘belief’ or a ‘feeling,’ but it has to be transformed into action for it to continue to exist inside of us. Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph were all men of active faith (Heb. 11:7-21). Isaiah, when he heard the calling of God, stood and answered. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me (Is. 6:8). Each of these men opened their hearts to God; they converted His gift of faith into faithfulness and, in so doing, played their God-given part in the furthering of the Kingdom of God.
By faith, we lay claim to Jesus Christ and are accepted into the family of God, but this life-changing decision is far from the end of our story. When we live in Christ, we must live AS Christ. Let brotherly love continue. We are privileged to be joined, as family, with every other believer. It is one of our greatest joys and responsibilities to be able to give and receive unconditional love within these bonds. Yet we cannot narrow our focus to exclude the outside world, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Jesus left no one out. He gladly shared Himself with all that showed a genuine interest (Mark 2:15-17), and we are called to do the same. In this way, we can minister to others while allowing ourselves the blessing of being ministered to by God, and we can freely demonstrate the compassion of Christ. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them. As God’s faithful, it is our job to strengthen and support those who are suffering (regardless of the reason) through the concrete sharing of His love. As we share His grace with others, we will more fully realize the impact that it has on our own lives.
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (I Pet. 3:15-16).
Thought for Today: The power of God’s Word can’t be appropriated. When repurposed by another, it is no longer His, thus rendering it meaningless.
Cross Reference: For II Tim. 2:19: See Num. 16:5; also Nah. 1:7.
Word Studies: 2:4 entangleth himself = becomes involved; 2:23 gender strifes = create or beget quarrels; 3:3 incontinent = without self-control; 4:15 be thou ware = be aware, be on guard.
Pray For Staff:Jennifer Palafox • Government Officials:Rep. Mark Takano (CA), Rep. Austin Scott (GA), Sen. John Boozman (AR) • Country: Latvia (2,165,165) Eastern Europe • Major Languages: Latvian, Russian • Religious Freedom • 19.6% Lutheran; 15.3% Orthodox; 1% Other Christian; 0.4% Other; 63.7% Unspecified • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and call upon the Lord with assurance that He will answer if you pray with a godly spirit free from sin (Is. 58:9-11).