Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost: Epistle, Hebrews 13:1-17                        

Hebrews 13:1-17 

Final chapters are interesting locations for words written. They are summaries. They provide answers. They may prompt further exploration of authors’ offerings. And they can be places of challenge. The challenge of Hebrews 13 comes on several levels or in different areas of living. But the most significant perhaps is the challenge to “go forth to Him” (Jesus) in bearing with Him, His reproach. (cf. 13:13)

Previous to that exhortation, we are encouraged on several fronts to serve others with the foundation of brotherly love. Hospitality, serving those in prison for the gospel, defending godly marriage and watching the wants of our hearts. All these and more are listed here and find their ground in the love Christ has deposited in us for those in the family of God. But living this way and holding the light of God’s Word over the darkness of the world has a cost. And with Jesus as the Light, the devil and his agents scurry to find pretended safety beneath the rocks of the present age. They provide no lasting cover. So in the absence of protection from the Light, the only other path is to snuff it out.

Jesus, the final and great Sacrifice, joins other sacrifices outside the walls of the Holy City and carries the reproach of death for sin. Our sin. And to claim that great work of Jesus on our behalf brings the same reproach to us as it brought our Savior. In this age of more than apparent opposition to Christ, His gospel, and His Church, we have only one “place” to be. Willing to go all the way on the same path He trod.

Are you willing?