Concluding Remarks

The author of Hebrews has taken his listeners from the days of promise with Abraham, through the Levitical priesthood and laws of Moses to the fulfilment of it all in Jesus Christ. He has shown them the most excellent way, the superior way, the only way, and now he adds concluding remarks to his letter. He gives directives, asks for prayer, and closes with a benediction.

“Don’t forget the most important things,” he writes, “like brotherly love and entertaining strangers.” Reflect on your relationships, those you may easily forget, and those you are intimate with. Do these relationships bring glory to God?  What about your possessions?  Are you content with what you have, knowing that all good things come from His hand? How about your spiritual leaders?  Do you respect your leaders in faith, and obey those who watch over your souls? Your respect for them helps them do it joyfully. In your walk with God don’t worry about strange doctrines but instead let your heart be established by the grace you receive from the Lord Jesus.  We are seeking the continuing city, so offer the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips, our praise to God. Don’t forget to do good; it is a sacrifice pleasing to God.

Next, he asks for prayer, The disciples travelled long distances by boat, experienced shipwrecks. They journeyed by foot, encountering bandits, and falling ill, all to build disciples along the way. Then they faced imprisonment. These absences from those they desired to establish spiritually, prompted this honest and open request. “That I may be restored to you.” To be with them, to share the truths to strengthen them, so they could be true disciples of Jesus. It was their heart’s cry.

Then, in conclusion, he gives a benediction which highlights the Source of all. “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.”