HEBREWS 13
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. – Hebrews 13:7-16
HEBREWS 13 GRACE STRENGTHENS THE SPIRIT & THE HEART
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you were saved by the blood of Jesus on the cross
He changed your life and made your heart strong
The grace you received will make you overcome the world
You will gain wisdom and strength through the gift of his word
If you eat his word constantly, you will also have much courage
The grace given to you will stir your heart to praise and glorify God
God’s grace will enable us to do good deeds to share with others
It will make us endure suffering, love and care for one another.
In this account, the writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us of the importance of strengthening the hearts of believers. He urges them to follow the teachings they have received from their spiritual leaders and cautions them on strange teachings that may be presented to them. They were advised to strengthen their hearts with the grace they have received from the Lord. As we have discussed earlier, there are many benefits of grace that we need to pursue in order that we can remain undefiled to live as servants of righteousness. In Ephesians 1:6 and Hebrews 4:16, Exodus 33:17, we are provided access to union and intimacy with God. Titus 2:11-15 and Corinthians 8:7 disciplines and trains us to live in a way that honors God. In 2 Corinthians 13:14 and 2 Timothy 2:1, grace preserves, comforts us, encourages and strengthens us.
What would our lives look like without grace? It will be a defeated life, a life of fear and curses. We will not be able to endure and have courage to face every trial that will come our way. Without grace, we will not have strength to face the enemy that is always plotting against us. We will have no ability to acknowledge God and thank him as the source of all our blessings and favors.
REFLECTION
- Share how grace has changed your outlook in life from your old to your new life.
