1 Let love of the brethren continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.
Hebrews 13:1-3 NASB
Love others
This final chapter provides some specific instructions about living our Christian lives starting with: love other Christians. We know it’s the foundation for life and ministry. Regardless of the outcome, love our brothers and sisters. What’s the motivation given? We are all one body, the body of Christ.
Hospitality
“Thanks for your hostility,” is what my grandfather used to joke as he left a dinner party. In the New Testament (NT) times there were no hotels so itinerant preachers would stay with church families out of love to save money and receive some protection. John encourages it in his letters. Paul, in Romans 12:13 (ESV) directs us to, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Here, the writer refers back to Abraham and Lot who both entertained angels. (Gen 18). What a wonderful surprise blessing if you do – just don’t seek the angels, seek their and our Lord.
Caring for the suffering
What a wonderful way to care for those suffering (those in jail and ill-treated in this case)! Imagine you are suffering with them. Then we will know exactly how to care for them. Note: These were likely suffering for their faith, not for wrongdoing.
A grander motivation
When the topic of caring for others comes up, I always think of Matthew 25. Though this instruction in v1-3 is regarding the family of God, we know it applies to all men. Matthew 25:40 (ESV) provides the reason: “And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” When we love others in Jesus’ name, we do it for Him! Wow! Feel convicted of all the opportunities you missed or complained about? Reconsider these times of service as for the Lord Himself.
What’s next?
I hope you are growing in your knowledge of and love for the Lord through Hebrews. Any thoughts on what book to tackle next? Haggai is a possibility, but we’d have to do Ezra and possibly Nehemiah for context.
