Tag Archives: the book of Hebrews

November 12
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“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”  (Hebrews 13:3, NIV)

I do not believe it to be a coincidence that the writer of the book of Hebrews encourages us to be hospitable (verse 2) immediately before encouraging us to be sympathetic (verse 3). One virtue compliments the other.

If you are unsure how to extend hospitality, put yourself in the other person’s place, and you’ll never be far from the mark. To meet the need of someone who is suffering, allow yourself to get close enough to the need at hand and the Holy Spirit will inform your speech and guide your hands.

Prison and maltreatment are two states where a person is prone to being forgotten.  As disciples of Jesus, we are led to such places to provide hope and healing.  – Luther

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November 11
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“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”  (Hebrews 13:2, NIV)

A few years ago, during the funeral service for a dear friend and early mentor of mine, her former pastor commented on how my friend and her husband were models of hospitality.

“Hospitality is inviting someone to inhabit your space,” the pastor said.  I had not heard a more simple yet profound definition of that word before — or since.

The writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us to invite strangers to inhabit our space.  Our spaces are usually cultivated, comfortable, and secure.  Yet, the stranger often enjoys none of those benefits because he is often far, far from his own home.

It is through the practice of hospitality that we expose ourselves to the possibility of serving one of God’s angels; the possibility of making a new friend; and the certainty of being obedient to God.  – Luther

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November 10
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“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  (Hebrews 12:11, NIV)

No pain, no gain.

The book of Hebrews concludes its encouragement to godly discipline by reminding the reader that the practice of discipline — though inconvenient and painful in the moment — produces peace and righteousness in those who persevere in it.

God’s recipe for peace and righteousness confounds “conventional wisdom,” which continuously seeks the short-cut or an “edge.”

The question for you and me is whether we will believe God and submit to His discipline in order to apprehend the peace we desire; or will we spend our limited time on this earth trying to prove Him wrong by seeking peace through other means.  – Luther

SPECIAL NOTE: Happy Birthday to the U. S. Marine Corps!  Today marks the Corps’ 241st anniversary.

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