HEBREWS. Chapters 12-13

Transcription

1 HEBREWS Chapters This is our last study of the Book of Hebrews. It is always when we finally get somehow attached to the writer that we have to leave. But is this not the nature of the Bible? We will always get somewhere closer, but one never finishes reading or studying any part of the Scriptures; it is endless in its teachings and in its blessings. For my part, I was surprised by the Sprit of God, even amazed, to see so many things in there. Yet, I have read the Book of Hebrews many times prior to studying it, but it was like approaching a new book and I am looking forward to reading it anew. Today we will look at the two last chapters which are really a treasure field for us. Knowing he is about to end his letter, the writer lays out those brief bits and pieces of advice, like a parent who, before his child embarks on a train for a long journey, reminds him of all the essentials. In these last two chapters, the author draws a portrait of what a believer in the Messiah should be like. He reminds us of the essentials of Biblical belief; it is a precious ending. We should not be surprised that the first element he mentions, and even repeats at least three times in this section, is love for one another. This message is also found in the letters and in the gospels. He surprisingly begins the last chapter with the words Let brotherly love continue. A reader not accustomed to the context of the Bible, and reads this verse in chapter 12, will surely think that it is totally unrelated; yet, this is a fit everywhere phrase in the Bible. Along with love, the writer speaks of the other important attributes that make up a believer. Hospitality is next, with a good dose of compassion for our same brothers and sisters who are in need. These are the outflow of love. Then he speaks concerning our affiliation with the world around us and he first asks that we should be at peace with all men. This is great advice because without peace with the world outside, we could not be good stewards or good evangelists. Then he talks about another essential attribute, without which no one can see or experience God: Holiness. It is a setting-apart from whatever is not pleasing to God, a sanctification devoted to Him. Then he also mentions the sacredness of what is at the core of a healthy society: marriage. This is a sacredness that our world is progressively losing. Along this list, the believer is asked to show humility and faithfulness towards his spiritual leaders and be supportive of the congregation he attends. Looking at these practical conclusions of the book of Hebrews, a book which contains some major teachings of the Bible, one clearly sees that doctrine without love, and without a life lived in God, has to be defective somewhere. There cannot be a proper holy and biblically based life without the proper teaching. We will begin with what I would consider to be among the most important words in the book of Hebrews; ones which really sum it all up for us. We have already looked at Hebrews 12:1, so let us begin with the words of Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith

2 As another translation has it: Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. (NASB) But if from the beginning the believers in Hebrews had fixed their eyes on Yeshua, they would not have drifted away. They would not have had so many serious problems. The word looking, or fixing in the Greek is a demanding one; it is to direct one s attention without distraction. This command of Fixing our eyes on Yeshua is to fix it as in always developing a more precise knowledge of the Subject. If it is demanding, it is surely because the attractions of the world are also very powerful. Knowing Him is not a onetime experience; He is eternal. The verse also says that He is the author and perfecter of faith; He is the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega of our lives. These words tell us that we need to learn from Him forever and to include Him in our everyday life; if we do this, we will save ourselves many aches. We have a focal point in our life s journey, but it is not earth; it is Jesus who is in heaven. Fixing our eyes on Jesus is among the most practical advice in the Scriptures. This focal point is one that many of these believers in Hebrews needed so much to regain, because they were undergoing persecution and experiencing much suffering because of their faith. Some had looked elsewhere for support; they were slowly going back to the old religion. In the same verse, the writer brings out the suffering of their Messiah and at the same time reveals to us one thing that sustained our Lord in His suffering. Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NASB) The suffering of the Messiah on the cross was the ultimate one when He took all the sins of the world on Himself. No other suffering could have been more intense and more cruel, yet right in its midst there was a light, a warming and soothing beam of light called joy which Yeshua experienced. What brought about this joy? It was the knowledge of the future. For Yeshua, The fact of knowing that He will be with each one of us one day in heaven and for eternity, sustained Him in His suffering. That was one of His focal points. But here, He is teaching us how to surmount our sufferings and trials as well. The same truth, about our future with Him, should bring us joy in the most difficult times. This was likely what sustained all this cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11. The joy of being with God for eternity and knowing about this great heavenly city was more than enough for them to endure any trials. The Messiah must have had this joy all the time; it was one great driving force for Him. We can say this when we consider that the word cross has no article in front of it. It is not his suffering on the cross in particular, but it includes all His sufferings, from time past, even today. When He suffers with us, He must take joy, as He thinks of the times we will all be gathered together with Him. This incentive should be ours, as well, in our trials. It is after asking his people to keep their focus on Yeshua that he spends much time dealing with the reason behind their sufferings. He takes a full eight verses to deal with this, from Verse 4-11, to explain the workings of discipline and suffering. In this section he makes a distinction between punishment and discipleship; these are two very different things. He quotes from the Book of Proverbs to show that if they

3 are suffering, it is not because they are punished, but because they are being tested and bettered; because they are on their way to reach higher levels of sanctification. All punishments have already been taken by Yeshua who, as he just told us, endured the cross for us. But, if the Lord allows us to go through difficult periods of time, it is because He is training us and we know that He will never discipline us above what we can take; this is his point in Hebrews 12:5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; This word chastening or discipline literally means child-training. For the Greek, this word was simply education. It was not a punishment. The author ends his argument by saying in Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. We all have this desire to be satisfied, and to be happy in life. But this life does include some rough rides, whether one is a believer or not. How do you deal with these things? About 400 years before Hebrews was written, Greek philosophers believed that one could achieve a level of joy that will survive every circumstance, even suffering; this is called Hedonism. The word derives from the Greek Hedonismos, which means delight and pleasure. If you have never heard of it, it is because it never worked; it could not work, for the simple reason that they tried to achieve it through man s own means. Chapters 11 and 12 of Hebrews tell us that it possible, but only through the God of the Bible. As, Paul says in Philippians 4: 11, 13.,..for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This is the attainment of true happiness, of a true and lasting one. The conclusion of the matter is that by fixing our eyes on Yeshua, we will develop this joy, a joy that the world can never give. As the last word of verse 11 promises: afterward these trials will yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Notice how the writer introduces the Book of Proverbs beginning in Hebrews 11:5. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons. See how he brings the Word of our Bible so close to our lives; he speaks of Proverbs as a book, he says, speaks to you. At the time, it was about a one thousand year old book, but its words were still living Words. Today it is a three thousand year old book with great Words, fit for all times and all ircumstances. Have you read this Book lately? For the human writer of the Bible, its Word was words of life, as Paul and John called the Bible (Philippians 2:16 and 1John 1:1) It is after this argument where the Spirit surprises us again; see the next two verses and let us try to connect it with the previous argument. Hebrews 12: 12, 13 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

4 It begins with the word therefore, dio in Greek, which is a conjunction linking what has just been said with what follows; for this reason strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees But what is meant by strengthen the hands... and the feeble knees? The hands and the knees are of those who are in need. In others words he says, and for this reason help the others. But, what does my suffering, or my trials have to do with helping others; how do the two connect? First, there is a beautiful truth in there; when you help others, you have no time to concentrate on your own pains and sufferings. A best anti-dote to these things is helping others. By doing so, you will not allow your own thoughts and worries to take over your life. The Bible is a great therapy. This is another allusion from the Hebrew Scriptures. This one is from Isaiah 35, where Isaiah brings the same argument as the author of Hebrews: get busy in helping others and you will be so blessed. In this passage Isaiah addresses his flock, who must have experienced some difficulties. To answer their problems, he also brings them to the future. He brings them right in the midst of the Messianic Times, and then, he also stops short and tells them to help others; this is the same anti-dote. Let us read Isaiah 35:1-4 The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, The excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, The excellency of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you." Both Isaiah and our author in Hebrews bring out two important elements in dealing with trials and sufferings. Fix your eyes on the great future you have waiting for you with God and get busy helping your brothers and sisters. These are some of the last advice of Hebrews. After this, the author deals with our connections with the world outside, beginning in verse 14. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. They are encouraged to be at Peace with all people. This is such great advice because we ought to be an example to them, a light to the world. Because we have been saved, not for anything we have done, we owe it to them to tell them. The next clause in verse 14 speaks volumes. and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord Holy is the essence and nature of the Lord. We can see God s holiness more as His nature than an attribute. Holiness is like the color white, which is really not a color, but when one gathers all colors of the spectrum together, they get white. Holiness could be seen as the sum of all His attributes. Holiness in man is also the sum of all aspects of our believing life. Our holiness is a reflection of our sanctification. Holiness and sanctification are the same word in Greek. This word comes from two words; the adjective hagḗs means clean, and the verb házō has the sense to shrink from. Sanctification then speaks of what

5 is separated from what is evil; and the more we are separated from evil, the closer we are to God and the more we will see Him. But there is another way to understand this verse. When it says that holiness, without which no one will see the Lord, we right away assume that the no one is the believer. But if the beginning of verse 14 speaks of our dealings with the world outside, so must be the end of it. So, the no one is the unbeliever outside. In this sense, the verse would say that holiness, without which you cannot save anyone. Because the world outside will be attracted to what is holy, it may be an oddity for them, but it will pull them in. After all, they all know God, and in holiness they will recognize their Creator. We are the means through which this holiness exists in this world; we are the New Temple of the Spirit. This way of looking at it, puts more emphasis on the need to be holy. Holiness is the name given to us. The New Testament often calls believers saints. The word saint, hagios, is of the same root as the word sanctify or holiness hagiazmon. So this holiness is what distinguishes the believer from the world. Without holiness, no one can see the Lord. It is true that a holy man is a mighty weapon in the hands of God. This is the third major element in the life of the believer. In Hebrews, all three elements have this word without. Without shedding of blood, there is no remission - Hebrews 9:22 Without faith, there is no pleasing God - Hebrews 11:6 Without holiness, there is no heaven - Hebrews 12:14 From salvation to faith to holiness, these are given to us and it is our part to respond with holiness, in this greatest deal ever. It is after these things that the author addresses one thing that has plagued many believers - bitterness. He devotes three verses for this. In the context of the conclusion, this is a lot, since at the end he is going to zoom through so many other elements. Let us just read Hebrews 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; Here again, he points to those who were leaving the faith. These did not like the congregation of God and, with time, were filled with bitterness and were disturbing the faith of the others. Bitterness comes when we allow disappointment to grow into resentment. Bitterness is an interesting word. Originally this word is what described an unexpected sharp pain. Afterwards they used this word to describe what is severe, or hostile. Imagine someone living with this feeling. Someone said that bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Bitterness, here, is the opposite of grace; grace liberates, bitterness imprisons the mind. But bitterness does not only consume the person who harbors it, it goes much further. Notice the association of bitterness and the word many in verse 15: and by bitterness many become defiled. Bitterness causes trouble everywhere. This sin of bitterness affects the growth of the person and even a whole congregation. When someone is not happy, he or she is not happy about nothing in particular, and finds fault in everything and everyone instead of covering these faults with love.

6 What follows is the illustration of Esau in verses The author chose Esau, because his case turns out to be the best example of those who refuse the salvation of God and leave. Esau was the firstborn of Isaac. Originally, it was from him that the Messiah was to come, but he sold his birthright for a piece of bread. He sold what is spiritual for what is worldly. This is the story of those who came, who were given salvation and grace as much as they wanted, but they refused it. In Hebrews 12:16, we read: lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. The word profane here was used of something that is worthless, or pointless; in the religious world, it is used when one violates, or corrupts, what is sacred. When Esau wished to inherit the blessing he was rejected by God, because it was not genuine. But for those who believe and have taken the Messiah as their protector, the writer reinforces our hope and faith; he tells us who is in heaven at this time. Hebrews 12: But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. These are who he names: 1. We are the first ones he lists. But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. It is so considerate that he puts us first. 2. Others are angels; to an innumerable company of angels 3. Another group is to the general assembly and church of the firstborn; These are all those who believe in Yeshua and departed from this world. 4. And to God the Judge of all, 5. Next, to the spirits of just men made perfect. These are the believers of the Hebrew Scriptures. 6. Finally to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, All these are our family in heaven, waiting for the great moment when we will all be together. In the next section, the writer, again, speaks of those who were leaving the faith. As a last appeal, he reminds the readers of the manner with which God manifested Himself to Israel on Mont Sinai. It was so powerful that people asked Moses to be their mediator. This is found from verses 18 to the end of Chapter 12. It is within this section that the fifth and last warning of Hebrews is given. Here, they are reminded that in the same way God came on Sinai, He is coming back on those who do not believe in His Son. Hebrews 12:26

7 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven." The phrase Yet once more is in reference to the Second Coming of the Messiah. Going back to the old religion will not save them from the wrath of God because He is coming back on earth the same way He previously came. It is significant that he mentions the fear of Moses when he said I am exceedingly afraid and trembling. (Verse 21) After all they were going back to the Mosaic Law and the leader himself was filled with fear. Hebrews 12: 26 is a quotation from the prophet Haggai, who also experienced a similar problem as the one we find in Hebrews. The quotations here are very much to the point. At the time, as they were rebuilding the Temple for the preparation of the First Coming of the Messiah, certain among them began to discourage the workers in the same way; some were doing it in the congregation of Hebrews. The problem is that there were the older people who remembered the Temple of Solomon and were telling the workers that whatever they build, they will never build such a magnificent one. It is at this point that God sends Haggai. See what he tells them; He brings them right to the Messiah also. Haggai 2:6-7 "For thus says the LORD of hosts: Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory, says the LORD of hosts. Who is the Desire of all nations? The Lord Yeshua Ha Mashiach; He is the One of whom we should not lose sight. This is another way of saying fix your eyes on Yeshua. This warning ends with these powerful words in verse 29: For our God is a consuming fire. This is the other side of love, of true love. If God is truly love, he cannot tolerate sin and so He becomes a consuming fire, should the free grace be rejected. Throughout the five warnings in Hebrews, the offer is always the same: come back to God. It is now that we enter the last chapter and we encounter these snippets or bits and pieces of great advice. Notice again what the first one in Hebrews 13:1 is: Let brotherly love continue. Again, this is the beginning of it all. Love one another. Love for other believers, is one of the marks of a true believer in Jesus. He brings it up again. See, the writer is not shy to repeat, over and over, what is so essential. In fact, he is going to repeat this again in Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased I think we get the point. Then, he adds in verse 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. That is an encouraging thought; imagine ever realizing that you have encountered angels from heaven. There are many stories of this type of encounter. Angels, as we have learnt from this book, are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation. While, we know of their existence and of their work, our eyes should always be on Yeshua.

8 But there is another way of reading verse 2, and bringing it down to earth. The word angel does not exclusively designate these heavenly beings; this term is also attributed to humans. Not because they are very nice, but because they are messengers. It is in this sense that some people are called angels. John the Baptist was called an angel/messenger. Mark 1:2 As it is written in the Prophets: "Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You." The disciples are called angels, as well. Even in the Hebrew Scriptures, we see, in Genesis 32:3, Then Jacob sent messengers before Esau. The term used here is angel. Could it be that in Hebrews 13:2 human messengers of God, and not heavenly angels, are meant; could it speak of those servants of God who are doing the work of the Lord, whom we unwittingly helped and so partake in a great work that is going on? After all, can we really entertain angels, since they do not need our help and we need theirs? People often ask how they can serve the Lord. Seek those who are doing the work and help them; serve with them; partake of their blessings. Begin in your own congregation and spot those who are doing multiple tasks and help them. Jesus said in Luke 10:2 The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. There are many areas in ministry which lack laborers. I have seen, and even see at this time, ministries that have to be abandoned because there was no one to take over. Begin to help and perhaps, you will unwittingly entertain angels and be part of a great mission. Seeing that the end of the letter is approaching, the author accelerates his pace. In verse 3, he speaks of visiting the prisoners. At this time, many believers were unlawfully chained because of their faith and the family was responsible to bring them food and water. It is in verse 4, where he speaks of the sanctity of marriage. So many covenants of marriage are not respected today, yet if there is one institution that is so precious to God, it is the marriage. One reason we often hear is; I am not happy anymore, and so the spouse leaves, as if the world was created to make us happy. When selfishness has overtaken love, this type of attitude prevails. In the Greek, there is no verb here, it reads: Marriage, to be held in honor among all. That says it all. The other subject in verse 5 is about money. Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." If you do all those things above; the outcome is that God will take care of you. Money will surely help us get things, but happiness is not in money; God is the owner of it all. The three next verses are also of paramount importance. Hebrews 13: 7-9 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 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. In verse 7, the writer asks us to remember our teachers - our devoted teachers of the Word - those whose faith follow, that is, those who live by the Word they teach. He is asking us to consider the outcome of their conduct, as in 1Timothy 3. In the next verse, he says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is, in the present tense, consistently, always the same, like a sure foundation. Of course, your teachers of the Word cannot be like Jesus, but they need to look like Him in having this consistent walk in the Word. This is why I believe this verse is mentioned in the context of teachers of the Word. This is what the Word asks us to seek in leaders and teachers of the Word. If these men live by the Word, follow them, learn from them and, as he says in verse 9 do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. This is one of many warnings, in the New Testament, about false doctrines, which I believe are on the increase today. This is a prophecy of the end times of the church, as it is written in 1Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, This is how false doctrines are called - doctrines of demons. Remember, there is nothing new that someone could add to the Bible. Many, today, speak of new revelations as if God waited 4000 years for them to be born, so He can reveal them to us. The next argument is strong, like a last call to those who are leaving the faith. It is found in verse 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. We have so much more than those who serve outside. Who is the altar? Yeshua Himself is the Altar; He is the Manna and the final sacrifice. In the next verses, we are reminded that Yeshua suffered outside the camp, outside the Temple, outside this world. Hebrews 13:11-13 For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. How many times the word outside is repeated here? It is repeated three times; that is the point - outside of this world, this is where you will meet Yeshua. In the Temple times, the sacrifices were given as food for the priest. But there was an occasion when they could not eat the sacrifice which had to be brought out of the Temple to be burnt outside the city. This is the most important sacrifice, the one on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This is when they were not allowed to eat of any sacrifice; this was the final sacrifice. It typifies Yeshua. In his last words, before the benediction, we see the writer s humility. Hebrews 13: Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

10 Prayers for the leadership are crucial and so the writer asks for prayer. He prays that he may be restored to them; perhaps he was sick or in jail, but his desire was to serve them. To conclude, one great particularity of the Book of Hebrews is that it deeply uplifts the name of our Lord and Savior and tells us so much about Him, about His nature, His work, and His love. It is my prayer that you have come closer to your Creator through these powerful words. I remember as I began the book with confidence, I read so much about Hebrews and surrounded myself with great lexicons and commentaries. As I was going on, my confidence slowly dwindled away and was replaced with reverence and awe. It is all about Him. I will close by the prayer of the author. Let us pray Hebrews 13: 20-21, 25 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. Grace be with you all. Amen.