Scripture Reading : Hebrews 13
Theme : Sacrifices Pleasing to God
After the long theological treatise from Hebrews 1-12, the author finally concludes with a short section on practical applications of the rich theology he has already written on.
- Love the brethren. Brotherly love is not a verbal expression of love, but practical actions like showing hospitality to strangers. Also, the Hebrews are to refrain from sexual immorality and honor marriage between 1 man and 1 woman. It also includes being content and not loving money.
- Submit to the leaders. The Hebrews were commanded to imitate their leaders and obey sound teaching from the Word of God, rather than waver in their faith and depend on works to be saved (“not by foods” – Hebrews 13:9b).
- Praises to God. Sacrifices were a very important part of Israel’s worship, but God does not delight in burnt offerings. What pleases God is true worship that comes from the heart, expressed through the lips of man, who acknowledge God’s name.
- Pray for the saints. Prayers must be made for the saints, in accordance to God’s Word. The author asked for prayers that the saints might be good testimonies for God.
Praying the Scripture
- 1 John 4:20-21 “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” Some people enjoy studying and debating on theology, but do not love the brethren. The author of Hebrews very wisely commanded the Hebrews to love their brethren as application of all the theology that he has just written. Let us pray that we will not be liars, but love our brethren, whom we can see, before we claim to love God.
- There are also people who claim to only submit to God, and not to human leaders. However, Hebrews 11 already dealt with the issue that true faith also includes trusting and obeying the Word of God. And the Word of God clearly teaches that we are to submit to the church leaders who teach the Word of God. Let us pray for humble and teachable hearts, that we will obey God’s Word and submit to our leaders.
- Let us pray for those who serve God, especially those who teach God’s Word (e.g. pastors, missionaries), that they “have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things”, so that they will bring glory to God’s name.
