Bible Commentary

There is something admirable about the young man who approached Jesus with the soul-searching question, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”

A healthy and necessary exercise for any Christian is to periodically trace the history of your faith journey: the people who influenced you, the experiences that challenged and blessed, and the obstacles that formed your present beliefs.

As you study this passage, keep in mind that faith involves trusting God when life falls apart, when miracles don't happen, and when you do not have all the answers.

The first twelve chapters of Hebrews focuses on theology, the necessary doctrines on which believers base their daily living. Chapter 13, referencing Old Testament practices, may seem like a jumble of ideas. Though we do not know the exact ideas that were threatening the church of that day, the writer presents encouragement for sound living as Christ followers and for a faith that shapes that living.

What constitutes your reservoir of strength when life is hard and your stamina is weakened? I often find renewed strength in my family. They were people of dignity who earned their way and believed in God. Their faith was never showy, but it was firm. Their strength has become my strength.

We sometimes struggle with Hebrews because it is laced with the imagery and events of the Old Testament, foreign to our day. As you study this complex and encouraging book, remember that God is the same in both testaments and his grace is our consistent hope.

Sitting in a woman's office, I noticed she had a pretty picture of a cross on a rugged hilltop, but instead of signs of crucifixion, the cross was elaborately draped in flowering vines with butterflies floating about. When I asked if she was a Christian, she said, “Yes, but the idea of Jesus dying on a cross was not part of her church's beliefs – because God is love!”

Considering the span of biblical writings over the history of our world, it is amazing to watch God's love and grace remain unchanged in spite of humanity's embrace of selfishness and pride. Hope is never impossible when God is involved.

Consider the story of Naaman, supreme commander of the armies of Aram (Syria), who enjoyed the complete trust of his king and had defeated the army of Israel, among others. But Naaman faced a considerable enemy he could not defeat: he had leprosy.

Abraham, “father” of three great world religions  – Jewish, Muslim and Christian – made a tragic decision in a place called Gerar.