Hebrews 13
By Pastor Steve
Now This Is Faith!
As I read this chapter and write this devotional, I am sitting at my son’s house in Cheyenne Wyoming. For the very first time in my life, I am visiting Joshua in his home rather than him coming home to visit me. As I experience this “first event” in my life, I find myself strangely proud and pleased. I am proud of the man he is becoming; but I am also questioning myself as a father. I am asking myself some very important questions. Questions like: “Have I done a good job of conveying faith principles to my son? And more importantly—have I lived out these faith principles before him as I raised him to be a man who loves and lives for the Lord Jesus Christ? Will he carry out the faith principles he has been taught and teach my grandchildren the truths about our loving Father in heaven?” I believe he will. He is now a Youth Pastor of the SonRise Church of the Nazarene in Cheyenne. He is now teaching young people of God’s amazing love and how to live their lives devoted to our God.
As I read the concluding chapter of the book of Hebrews, I think this author might have had some similar thoughts. I think he might have been wondering if the writings he was completing would take hold and make a difference in the lives of the Hebrew people who had experienced this deep teaching on faith in Jesus and not in religious traditions. I think he was probably very pleased that God used him to share God’s love with others; but still questioned himself concerning how he lived his faith. I wonder if this author was able to go into the homes of his children and witness the impact he had on their lives.
As I read, I found myself deeply pondering some of the simple yet difficult teachings on faith. Here are a few examples I wonder if I was successful at instilling in my son.
Keep on loving one another….verse 1
Show hospitality to strangers….verse 2
Remember those in prison…and those who are mistreated….verse 3
Marriage should be honored….verse 4
Keep your lives free from the love of money….verse 5
So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper….verse 6
Remember your leaders…consider the outcome of their lives…verse 7
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever….verse 8
Do not be carried away by…strange teachings…be strengthened by grace….verse 9
As you read this chapter, take a few minutes to consider how your faith is impacting others and how the Scriptures are impacting your faith.
