30 Jun July 3 – Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

USE ME LORD TO BE YOUR INSTRUMENT OF PEACE

Hebrews 12:14 “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

The context of the holy writer’s words here in verse 14 is what he has written in Hebrews 10:14,22  “For by one sacrifice He (Jesus) has made perfect forever those who are being made holy . . . (therefore) let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”  Unfortunately, many Jews continued to be drawn to the old way of worship and to their efforts of appeasing God for their sins through their ritualistic sacrifices and obedience of the Law.  Worse yet, some who had at one point made a confession of faith in Jesus were reverting back to this former spiritual life.

The writer sees the situation as urgent: “Make every effort,” “strive,” “endeavor” to live in peace with everyone. . .”  The picture here is of a runner who is behind a group of runners and is being encouraged to exert a greater effort to catch up with them.  The race is nearing its end.  There is an urgency for the runner to not give up.

These words of Hebrews 12:14 are very relevant.  The religious researchers continue to tell us that many who at one time faithfully worshipped Jesus as their Lord and Savior no longer do.  You may be aware of those within your congregation who no longer attend worship services and intentionally absent themselves from receiving the Lord’s Supper.  The writer’s words are an exhortation for just this situation. They urge you to plead with the Holy Spirit to help you to diligently, intentionally strive to find ways to bring back those who are no longer worshipping.

They are sinners in need of God’s forgiveness.    There is only one way for them to receive God’s forgiveness and gift of everlasting life. Jesus alone is the atoning sacrifice for their sins. “Without holiness” which is theirs only by God’s grace through faith in Jesus” they will not see the Lord.  As Jesus said, “. . .no one comes to the Father except through Me.” ( see John 14:6)

Prayer:  Guide me, O Lord, and use me to witness to my brothers and sisters who need encouragement in their faith journey.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Church of God, elect and glorious, Holy nation, chosen race;

Called as God’s own special people, Royal priests and heirs of grace;

Know the purpose of your calling, Show to all His mighty deeds;

Tell of love that knows no limits, Grace that meets all human needs.

God has called you out of darkness Into His most marv’lous light;

Brought His truth to life within you, Turned your blindness into sight.

Let your light so shine around you That God’s name is glorified

And all find fresh hope and purpose In Christ Jesus crucified.

Once you were an alien people, Strangers to God’s heart of love;

But He brought you home in mercy, Citizens of heav’n above.

Let His love flow out to others, Let them feel a Father’s care;

That they too may know his welcome And His countless blessings share.

Church of God, elect and holy, Be the people He intends;

Strong in faith and swift to answer Each command your Master sends:

Royal priests, fulfill your calling Through your sacrifice and prayer;

Give your lives in joyful service— Sing His praise, His love declare.

(LSB 646)