November 25-Equipping

It’s Monday and it’s the week we have set aside to give thanks to the Almighty for all He has done for us and for all the blessings He has so freely given us. It seems appropriate that these last few verses in Hebrews remind us not to take things for granted, but to go outside and to share what we have with others. We are called upon to offer our sacrifice of praise to the only one who is worthy and love others as He first loved us. 


“So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This “insider world” is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come. Let’s take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus’ name. Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of “sacrifice”—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:13-16‬ ‭MSG‬‬


Our lasting city is not the Old Jerusalem that rejected Jesus but rather the ‘new city’, the heavenly city that is to come that we look forward to. Meanwhile, we must identify with Jesus to ‘suffer outside the city gate’. We need to come outside, out of our 'shelter' and 'safety' and serve, worship, obey, submit and pray. When we do, we find out it’s a scary place and we can stumble. And sometime, we do more than stumble, we fall flat on our faces. 


Yesterday as I was leaving work at the mall, a mom was struggling with her little boy and I heard her say, “Santa Claus just saw you.” (And, he was actually right in front of Father Christmas.) And immediately, the little guy was so contrite and looked up at his mom with sad eyes and said “I’m sorry.” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud but mercy did I see myself in that kid. How many times have I been throwing my own fit because I wasn’t getting what I thought I should haveand then realized “God just saw you.” And the truth is, He did. And not only saw the outside me, He saw the inside me, too. But the best part of that story is I can, just like the little boy say “I’m sorry” with a contrite heart and it’s ok. He just wants to forgive us if we promise to try to do better. It sounds so simple, but I think it really is. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬


I really think the hardest thing to do as a Christian is the simplest thing—to not be self absorbed. But isn’t that just human nature? We all want our way, what we want, or our voice heard. But the core of the message of Jesus was “it’s not about you. It’s about doing the will of God.” Verses 20-21 wrap up the chapter with a prayer that the God of peace would equip us to do His will. He will give us what we need, when we need it, to do this thing—to step outside and really serve others and quit making it all about us—to quit throwing those fits. 


“Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:20-21‬ ‭NLT‬‬


Lord Jesus, we are so thankful for your mercy and your grace and your forgiveness. That time and time again we fall and you reach out your hand and help us up. What an amazing God you are to always love us like that. It’s beyond our understanding. Holy Spirt, your power has graced us for living lives to serve others. Help us to get outside of ourselves and seek to do the will of the Father. Teach us to love as you have loved, to serve as you have served and to bless and you have blessed. We praise you today Lord and lift you high for you are holy, holy, holy. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear friend,

Pam




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