Thoughts on the Bible readings (Judges 1; Isaiah 30;Hebrews 13) for June 6th

Hebrews 13 begins, “Let brotherly love (Greek “philadelphus” the love among brothers) continue”. And this is the message of the first nineteen verses. There are many ways to show brotherly love and in verse 2 the writer shows that hospitality is one of the ways. Everyone is a stranger until you get to know them; and who knows whether the unknown person to whom you show kindness might even be an angel. In Genesis 18:3 strangers came to Abraham’s tent bringing great blessings. Verse 3 focuses on supporting the afflicted and counsels believers to encourage the afflicted through visiting and exhorting. This helping of strangers has often been done by Christadelphians resulting in people becoming believers. Even if that was not the outcome of your actions you will still be blessed in your care being shown to another. Verse 4 tells of the honourable and elevated state of marriage among believers; and states that sexual relationships outside marriage are totally unacceptable to God. Verse 5 tells of the dangers of coveting and explains that knowing God is the best way to counter this. It is important to be content (see 1 Timothy 6:5-10) with all that you have. The literal Greek of this verse Hebrews 13:5) is – “I will never, no not ever, leave you, nor forsake you”. How incredibly encouraging are these thoughts – so that whatever is before us can overcome in the confidence of knowing that God is with you. One person and God is always an overwhelming majority (see 2 Kings 6:16). Always (v7) show respect for those who guide you to understand the Word and counsel from God’s Word. Imitate their faith, for it is sustained by an unchanging Lord Jesus Christ (v8). We must be led by grace (v9). We ought not be focused on the present – this includes foods, which are all too important a part of today’s transient world. Verse 10 we are constrained to live lives sacrificing everything upon our altar, Christ, who gave all to bring us to God. The Law of Moses taught the same in its code of offerings. The Law was leading us to Christ; as the writer was through the spirit reminding and encouraging the believers (compare Galatians 3:23-26). As a consequence of his doing this our Lord was crucified and we must take up our stake and follow him. Believers are citizens of the coming Zion and not of the then present Jerusalem, which was awaiting destruction. Our sacrifice is of praise – an attitude of gratitude (v15). The readers are encouraged to show submission to their guides in the Word, because it is not for their own benefit that they give their counsel. Those leaders, too, will be called to give account for their words. Pray for the writer, indeed for all who labour in the Word, that all will magnify our Sovereign and His incomparable Son. Verses 20-21 give us the closing benediction. ESV “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Pause and ponder. Final greetings follow and finish with a request for God’s grace to be with them.