August 12, 2021 — A Study on the Book of Hebrews

“Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

What a powerful way to wrap up the book of Hebrews. In giving G-d’s blessing, the writer of Hebrews is also sending us out with a reminder of who is going with us. This is the one of the blessings we can use in our Lutheran service at the graveside. It is a reminder that our G-d of peace and presence will always be there to guide us throughout our lives – whether we are experiencing joy or grief – Jesus is with us.

In these two short verses, the writer summarizes almost the entire book. “The God of peace…” – our G-d who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love; “Through the blood of the eternal covenant…” — not a covenant that ends but is eternal. “Brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus…” — death is defeated once and for all. This is the G-d who is sending us and equipping us.

We do not do any good with our own effort. It is only through the presence of the Holy Spirit that we can lead a G-dly life. We need G-d’s help – the G-d who equips us so that what we do is pleasing to G-d. By G-d’s grace, we do everything for G-d’s glory forever and ever.

Pastor Dave