Hebrews 13:1–25 (NKJV)
1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. 3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also. 4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” 7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. 18 Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. 19 But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. 20 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, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 22 And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. 23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly. 24 Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. 25 Grace be with you all. Amen.
In this final chapter of the letter to the Hebrews, the writer gives many instructions to Christians: do good, remember those imprisoned for the Gospel, honor Godly marriage, be content with what you have, remember, respect, and obey those whose vocation it is to preach Christ crucified to you because “they watch out for your souls” (v. 17).
But these words are much more than instructions to do good and be on your best behavior. They don’t so much as tell us what to do as they describe what Christians have been made into and how they have been gifted with God’s free grace in Christ for good works. These words are not a “have to” but a “get to;” they describe the very fruits of God-given faith.
Of special note are the words in vv. 8-9: that Christ is unchangeable, (“immutable”), and that the Christian can rely absolutely on Him who is no respecter of persons and who treats all people the same according to His Word and promises. There is great comfort knowing that our good and gracious God will never act contrary to His Word; He will never change course or veer from His Word; there will be no surprises. He is constant, consistent, just, fair, loving, and faithful.
Unbelievers everywhere serve gods that they must placate, for they serve and worship themselves. They worship a god who changes according to personal and emotional whims. There is no comfort or certainty in an unfaithful god.
As we live out our various vocations, we are bolstered by Christ’s gifts delivered to us in the Divine Service—Baptism, Absolution, Gospel, and Supper. These gifts always strengthen our faith and demonstrate God’s kindness and love to us.
Receive His blessing: “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, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
