Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 13:1-8.
Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. Give honor to marriage and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas.
Paul closes his letter to the Hebrews with specific guidance for healthy spiritual lives. He writes (not surprisingly) about loving one another. None of this should be new or difficult for those who follow Jesus, but it is still true today: we need reminding and encouragement about our faith.
He tells us “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (v. 6). In our world we often worry too much about what others think of us. Paul reminds us that they are just as frail as we are and without God’s help they will not succeed. Yes, there is pain and evil here, but God wants us to live in His love and share it with those who hurt.
We are called to be His children and servants of His kingdom, bringing the Good News of a better world to come. We have stained His creation through sin, but His love is everlasting, and He will not let us go. Through the saving work of Jesus, we may all be free from death to live with Him eternally.
Gracious God, we are amazed that You call us to be part of Your redemption of all the earth. Bless us to be good stewards of our gifts and share them with those in need. Amen.