The beautiful tapestry of the Christian life

Read Hebrews 12:28 – 13:25

At first it seems as if the writer of Hebrews is ending this letter by throwing in all that may have been left out throughout the letter. However, what we read in this chapter are many of the elements that are woven into the beautiful tapestry of life in Christ.

The instruction given to us in Hebrews 13 is simply that which glorifies God, that which images forth God’s glory.

Continued brotherly love: a continued Christ-like love among brothers and sisters in Christ. Hebrews 6:10 – the love you have shown for His name in serving the saints, as you still do. One of the ways our love for Christ is revealed is in our love for His church (brothers and sisters in Christ). In this, God is glorified.

Showing hospitality to strangers: true hospitality involves us denying ourselves and thinking and serving the needs of others. Hospitality involves providing others yourself, your time, your food, your space, your attention. By this, God is glorified; He has given us all we need for life and godliness and He is preparing a place for, a dwelling place with Him. This is the greatest demonstration of hospitality.

Remember those who are in prison: many of the apostles understand this, as they often found themselves in prison because of their faith in Christ. While separated physically, they were remembered in prayer and through letters and testimonies of others. God is glorified when we are mindful of and pray for and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering because of their faith. We weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. Christ visited us in our bondage of sin in the world in which we live to bring us hope and life and out of bondage.

Let marriage be held in honor among all: marriage is a wonderful gift to us from God, and it comes with a purpose. There is no earthly relationship that is more intimate than a godly marriage. Marriage has the purpose of imaging forth the relationship between Christ and His Bride – the Church. Love, kindness, patience, joy, excitement, oneness, and faithfulness are important aspects of a Godly marriage. God is not a fan of divorce because it does not display His faithful relationship with His Bride – the Church. Let the marriage bed be undefiled for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Our marriage is to be kept pure and exemplify faithfulness. Nothing should separate the oneness of the husband and wife, just as nothing should separate us from the love of Christ. Our relationship with God cannot include a love also for the world, false gods, and idols.

Keep your life from the love of money, and be content with what you have. The 23rd Psalm begins – The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want… Love is consuming. The love of money is consuming. If your love and ambition is for money, you will never be content. You will never have enough. The Lord God is our provider and we are to be satisfied in Him, whether we have much or little in our pockets.

Finally – we get to the power/ability and drive to do these things that God calls us to –

Hebrews 13:5b-6 for He (God) has said - I will never leave you nor forsake you.

So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?

God is our present power and help! He leads us and helps us bring glory to Him. God’s presence in our lives and His steadfast love for us robs us of every excuse we may give to not walk in His ways.

Thank God for His steadfast love and presence in your life. Ask Him to give you drive and strength to live for His glory.