“Pray for us…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” (Hebrews 13:18, 20-21).
Immediately after requesting the initial readers of Hebrews to be prayer warriors (see yesterday’s blog), the inspired penman offers a most beautiful prayer for them.
Addressed to “the God of peace”–whose people often have to face sufferings, reproaches, tribulations, chains, and plundering of their goods (Hebrews 10:32-34) and who presently need to go forth outside the camp, bearing Christ’s reproach (Hebrews 13:13), his prayer begins by pointing them to the source of the peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
“Who brought our Lord Jesus from the dead” reminds them of God’s momentous ability to work all things together for good; He is ever able to transform every apparent victory of evil into its stunning defeat.
“that great Shepherd of the sheep” focuses their eyes on the watchful eyes and continuous care of their resurrected Lord. Though His earthly mission as the Lamb of God has been completed, His heavenly work as the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls (1 Peter 2:25) continues.
“through the blood of the everlasting covenant” contrasts with the 1,500-year, temporary covenant which was inaugurated through the inferior blood of bulls and goats. The new covenant in Christ’s blood is not going anywhere. Unlike the old covenant, the covenant in Christ’s blood has no predictions of being replaced. It is God’s final and perfect covenant with all humanity. It is permanent.
“make you complete in every good work to do His will” is the vigorous request of this prayer. It is not vague or timid. It seeks their most vibrant spiritual health to perform in every area of responsibility the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. No hint of spiritual mediocrity can be found in this petition.
“working in you what is well-pleasing in His sight” demonstrates that “the Lord is my helper” (Hebrews 13:6) is not a spiritual theory. The gospel’s plan of salvation can be simplified in two simple sentences: 1) You are in Christ; and 2) Christ is in you. Jehovah intensely desires both statements to be true about you.
“through Jesus Christ” is the only way which any of the vast store of spiritual blessings is available. God’s eternal purpose of human redemption is destroyed if Christ is removed from it.
“to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
And AMEN!!!
