OUR FATHER WHO GIVES US

The writer of the book of Hebrews chapter 13 verses 7 - 17 tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ, being the same eternally, has uniform principles that, when adopted by successive generations of believers, yield the same sanctified conduct and thus those who speak the word of God to us, their faith can be followed. This is to avoid being led into false doctrines and to avoid practicing dietary observances instead of being established in grace. 

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.

As believers, we have a most excellent altar that not even those who served in the tabernacle can eat from and therefore, we must follow the pattern set by the Lord Jesus Christ by leaving the city the same was He left the city to suffer. 

As we bear the reproach the Jesus bore, we can abandon the ways of our former habitation and continually offer sacrifices of praise and giving thanks while at the same time, doing good in the world sharing what we have with other for such thing please God.

Observing how faithful forebearers walk, we can follow them as they lead us. Because they are are accountable for those who are placed under their purview, it is good counsel to be understudies who are a joy to oversee and the writer alerts us that bringing grief to the overseeing person is unprofitable.

Amen.

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