A CHRISTIAN BENEDICTION
A CHRISTIAN BENEDICTION Hebrews 13:20-25 This magnificient epistle concludes with a benediction {Hebrews 13:20-21} and a postscript. {Hebrews 13:22-25} The benediction is marvellously comprehensive, encapsulating the major themes of Hebrews in one grand prayer. The rich redemptive background ofHebrews 13:20reminds us of dominant themes such as the One who lives forever, {Hebrews 7:24} the Superiority of Christ (who is not only our “Great”High Priest but also the "Great" Shepherd of the Sheep), and his sacrificial merit which is the basis of the believer’s relationship with God ("the blood of the everlasting covenant").Hebrews 13:21, likewise, recapitulates the message of spiritual maturity {Hebrews 6:1}ff, and the importance of "doing God’s will" cfHebrews 10:36. All in all, this prayer is a fitting summary to the book. The Solid Premise {Hebrews 13:20} The writer closes his “word of exhortation”to the Hebrews by praying for them. He has warned them, reasoned with them, encouraged them, and instructed them. Now he prays for them. His concern is that they would be faithful to Jesus Christ, in spite of the tremendous pressure they faced. To whom does he intercede on their behalf? “The God of Peace.” Without question, peace was something they desperately wanted. They were distraught, distracted, and discouraged. This reference to God as the God of peace is intended to remind them of the source of their peace. More than that, it reminds them that peace was already theirs through the Lord Jesus. Peace had already been established for them through the blood of Christ’s cross, {Colossians 1:20} a sacrifice the writer terms “the blood of the everlasting covenant”.CompareZechariah 9:11;Ezekiel 37:26;Isaiah 55:3;Jeremiah 31:31ff
How could they be assured that reconciliation had been made? Through the resurrection of Christ, the Great Shepherd of the sheep. The resurrection is the proof of reconciliation. {Romans 4:25;1 Corinthians 15:1-58} As the Good Shepherd, Jesus died for his sheep. As the Great Shepherd, He lives to protect and nurture them now. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! This rich redemptive background is the basis of his prayer. The Specific Petition {Hebrews 13:21}
What is his request? Namely, that God, through the risen Lord Jesus, would equip them to obey Him: “... make you perfect in every good work to do His will...” The phrase “make you perfect”is the Greek word katartidzo( See SGreek: 2675. katartizo). To a physician, katartidzo meant “to set a broken bone.” To a fisherman, it meant “to mend a broken net.” To a soldier, it meant “to prepare an army for battle.” This is a prayer for Divine enablement, for Heavenly help, for God’s power to operate in the lives of the Hebrews. Only in the strength of the Holy Spirit can any believer be faithful to the Lord Jesus. How does God strengthen the Christian? By “working in”him. God’s work for us is salvation. God’s work through us is service. But God’s work in us is sanctification. What a comfort to know that God is at work in our lives and in our hearts! {Php 2:12-13} Divine strength in the inward man is the Christian’s greatest need. {Psalms 138:3}
Why does God work in us to equip us? So that we may “do His will.” It’s not enough to merely know the will of God, or to desire the will of God. We must obey and perform the will of God. As this letter concludes, the Hebrews should have no doubt concerning God’s will for their situation. What was God’s desire toward them? That they would hold the line and commit themselves to a life of faith and obedience to their Risen and Reigning Savior and Lord. Now that they have regained that focus, the author reminds them that God would help them to do it.
Why is obedience to God’s will so important? So that we may “please”Him cf.Hebrews 11:6;Hebrews 13:16. The Christian’s ambition in life is to do that which is “well-pleasing in His sight.”
“ Grace be with you all. Amen.” {Hebrews 13:25}