Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
22 “I urge you dear brothers and sisters, please listen carefully to what I have said in this brief letter. 23 I want you to know that our brother Timothy is now out of jail. If he comes here soon, I will bring him with me to see you. 24 Give my greetings to all your leaders and to the other believers there. The Christians from Italy send you their greetings. 25 May GOD’s grace be with you all.” ~ Hebrews 13:22-25
The book of Hebrews is a call to Christian maturity. It was addressed to first-century Jewish Christians, but it applies to Christians of any age or background. Christian maturity means making Christ the beginning and the end of our faith. To grow in maturity, we must center our life on Him, not depending on religious ritual, not falling back into sin, not trusting in ourselves, and not letting anything come between us and Christ. Christ is sufficient and superior.
Conscientious consumers shop for value, the best products for the money. Wise parents desire only the best for their children, nourishing their growing bodies, minds, and spirits. Individuals with integrity seek the best investment of time, talents, and treasures. In every area, to settle for less would be wasteful, foolish, and irresponsible. Yet it is a natural pull to move toward what is convenient and comfortable.
Judaism was not second-rate or easy. Divinely designed, it was the best religion, expressing true worship and devotion to GOD. The commandments, the rituals, and the prophets described GOD’s promises and revealed the way to forgiveness and salvation. But Christ came, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets, conquering sin, shattering all barriers to GOD, freely providing eternal life. The message of Hebrews was difficult for Jews to accept. Although they had sought the Messiah for centuries, they were entrenched in thinking and worshiping in traditional ways. Following Jesus seemed to repudiate their marvelous heritage and Scriptures. With caution and questions they listened to the gospel, but many rejected it and sought to eliminate this “heresy”. Those who did accept Jesus as the Messiah often found themselves slipping back into familiar routines, trying to live a hybrid faith.
The book of Hebrews is a masterful document written to Jews who were evaluating Jesus or struggling with this new faith. The message of Hebrews is that Jesus is better, Christianity is superior, Christ is supreme and completely sufficient for salvation. Whatever you are considering as the focus of life, Christ is better. He is the perfect revelation of GOD, the final and complete sacrifice for sin, the compassionate and understanding mediator, and the only way to eternal life. Read GOD’s Word and see life from HIS perspective. Then, give yourself unreservedly and completely to Christ.
And now, may the GOD of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip us with all we need for doing HIS will. May HE produce in us, 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.
– May GOD’s grace be with you all.
Photo: Durango (Colorado)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
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