Lord, Work in Us!

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13)
The book of Hebrews is more of a sermon than a letter. The preacher/writer is talking about greatness in the Story of God. God has spoken and done things throughout history through the patriarchs, prophets, angelic messengers, and other people of great faith.  But He speaks and acts greatest through His Son, Jesus Christ. So, when he gets to the end of this sermon, he does what has often been done: he gives a benediction.  He asks for God's ongoing blessing - that He will do in his readers (and by extension, us who believe) what we need and He desires. What we need is a constant reminder of how great and good God is, and a dependence upon His grace and strength, through Christ, to live this life of faith, just as the faithful in chapter 11 have, so that we can finish this race of life, and run into His arms at the finish line.  No wonder we preachers so often use this benediction at the funeral service of believers, as they finish their race and enter eternity. May God equip us and work in us today what pleases Him. 

Taking it Personally

17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you. (Philemon)

Often, when we think about things concerning our faith/church/"religion"/Bible, we can come to approach it in a very "objective" way.  We even can view the writers like Moses and Paul to be very detatched from what they wrote. But this is never the case. Each and every one were writing from a passionate experience with the true and living God and also as those in close relationship with those to whom they wrote. This is especially true in these personal letters from Paul to individuals (Timothy, Titus, Philemon), which God and Paul really did not mean to be kept secret.  We need to view our faith as something we share, seeing ourselves as partners interrelated with one another, brothers and sisters with a web and network of relationships. There can hardly be anything impersonal about it.  God's plan is for these relationships to continue to grow and spread, so any believer, anywhere, in any era, has a tie to one another. So even as we read Paul's words separated by time and space, there is a connection we have, a reason to listen, and an obedience to God's instruction.

Reminded of our Hope

3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.  (Titus 3)
The latter part of this paragraph repeats some of the practical exhortations of Timothy and other letters in its closing, but before that, Paul reminds Titus to remind others of our past, present, and future.  We were, but now we are, which then propels us to what we will be. We are heirs, waiting for the promise, the hope of eternal life. That is what will motivate us to good works. That is what will keep us from the distractions and divisions along life's journey. That is what will fill us with an overwhelming sense of joy, living lives of hope.

All Alone, but Not!

16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (II Timothy 4)
Paul had just listed those who had abandoned and opposed him in the ministry, along with those who were very supportive of him, but at that time could not be with him.  Like Elijah, like many of us, he was feeling all alone.  He had to stand alone in court to defend the gospel and his proclamation of it. It had been close.  The real opposer wanted to silence him.  But Paul knew he was not alone.  The Lord would see him through, even if it be through death.  There really are things worse than death - especially being alone forever, separated from God.  As Paul says elsewhere, nothing can separate us from HIM, even death.  Whenever that haunting voice tells you you're all on your own, talk to the One you know is with you.  He will see you through.  

To the Next Generation

20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.

Grace be with you.  (I Timothy 6)

As we look at the continually unfolding story of history, each book leaves us with a hope, and often a challenge, that looks forward.  This young man Timothy lived in a demanding culture.  How would he fare as he made his way, and sought to remain true to the faith?  First, he needed to regard the Gospel and the truths of Scripture as a sacred trust.  Second, he needed to not get side-tracked by all the distractions, both secular and spiritual, which would try to derail him. Third, and most of all, he needed to receive and cling to the Grace of God - trust in His ability and power to do what we cannot.  Paul's challenge and blessing are no less relevant today than they were two thousand years ago for us and the generation we seek to impact.  

Waiting together

13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. (II Thessalonians 3)
In his letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul had a lot of good things to say. They were doing well, but they were beginning to get weary waiting on the Lord to return.  How were they to persist? By positively focusing on encouraging each other - not in a critical way, but a challenging way.  They had come to be a part of the body of Christ together. It is much easier to stay faithful together. We need each other, and we need His grace. And we need to not just be watching as we wait, we need to be looking for every way possible to do good, both to those in the household of faith, and outside looking in. May we not grow weary today. And may we look for someone else who needs encouragement along the way. 

Who Can Do THAT?

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (I Thessalonians 5)
I have to admit, my "THAT" in the title was due to a stray pinky finger on the CAPS LOCK button, but it is so appropriate. Who can sanctify us - make us holy? Who is able to keep us pure and true the rest of our days? Who can help us "Finish Well"?  The Faithful One, the God of Peace. He is able to work it all out. Of course we are more than passive participants in this journey. We have the well-known exhortations that preceded this paragraph: 
15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
But even these things are done by the grace of the God of Peace. He is Faithful. He will surely do it.