Compiled From: The Life Application Study Bible
Written By: Felipe and Lisa Gonzales
17 “Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to GOD. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. 18 Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorable in everything we do. 19 I especially need your prayers right now so that I can come back to you soon. 20-21 And now, may the GOD of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing HIS will. May HE produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to HIM. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with His blood. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.” ~ Hebrews 13:17-21
The task of church leaders is to help people mature in Christ. Cooperative followers greatly ease the burden of leadership. The writer of Hebrews recognized the need for prayer. Christian leaders are especially vulnerable to criticism from others, pride (if they succeed), depression (if they fail), and Satan’s constant efforts to destroy their work for GOD. They desperately need our prayers! Are you praying for your church leaders? Does your conduct give your leaders reason to report joyfully about you?
Verses 20-21 include two significant results of Christ’s death and resurrection. GOD works in us to make us the kind of people that would please HIM, and HE equips us to do the kind of work that would please HIM. We can not do the work the LORD has for us on our own, we must look to HIM for help in doing HIS will. We do not have to be afraid to take on a task or responsibility that HE gives us – if HE brings us to it, HE will get us through it. My husband wrote a little “ditty” that sums it up perfectly. It goes like this:
If it’s a GOD thing, don’t try to change it.
If it’s a GOD thing, don’t rearrange it,
Just let it be, let it be.
If HIS hand is in it, don’t try to move it.
If HIS hand is in it, just let HIM prove it.
And let it be, let it be.
If HIS foot is on it, don’t step on HIS toes.
If HIS foot is on it, that’s the way it goes.
So let it be, let it be.
If HE tells you so, then believe it.
If HE tells you so, read the Book and retrieve it.
But let it be, let it be.
For if GOD’s heart is in it,
It’s got to be good.
If GOD’s heart is in it,
It’s the reason for HIS blood.
So if it’s a gift, a blessing, a word, or a vision.
It’s a GOD thing!
Just let it be, let it be!
So, if GOD has something for you, let HIM change you from within and then use you to help others. If it’s a GOD thing, let it be man, just let it be!
Father equip us with all we need for doing YOUR will. May YOU produce in us, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to YOU. Jesus, You are the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with Your blood. To You be the glory forever and ever. Amen
Photo: Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park, Colorado)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
