Hebrews 13:9-25 … The closing verses of Hebrews are filled with instruction and cautions. Beginning with 13:9, there is a caution about being falsely concerned with foods as a way to enhance spirituality. Instead, we’re reminded that spiritual feeding on Christ (that is becoming a faithful follower of Him) is the privilege of believers (13:10). Hebrews 13:11-14 refers to the sacrifice of Christ by drawing a parallel to the imagery of the Levitical sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. The Atonement sacrifice wasn’t consumed, it was burned outside the camp and the writer reminds us that Jesus also was crucified outside the city and so concludes that we should bear witness to Him as we anticipate the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven (13:14).
Final thoughts for believers are given next (13:15-19) – of bringing the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord, of sharing material resources with others, of joyful obedience to appointed leaders, and finally (v.18) of prayer. That’s followed by a very beautiful prayer of benediction that you sometimes hear quoted at the close of worship services.
Interestingly, Hebrews ends the epilogue with a postscript (a “PS,” if you will) with an exhortation to observe the teaching of this great letter to the Hebrews and then, a helpful historical note concerning Timothy, ending with that great word of Christianity – Grace be with you all!
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