22 I call on you, brothers and sisters, listen [patiently] to this message of exhortation and encouragement, for I have written to you briefly. 23 Notice that our brother Timothy has been released [from prison]. If he comes soon, I will see you [along with him]. 24 Give our greetings to all of your [spiritual] leaders and to all of the saints (God’s people). Those [Christians] from Italy send you their greetings. 25 Grace be with you all.
Hebrews 13:22-25 (AMP)
Last thoughts
We’ve reached the end of one of the most encouraging letters. At the outset, I asked, “Why Hebrews?” Because it’s all about Jesus, the God-man, who is above all creation – angels, prophets, the OT law, priests, sacrificial system, Moses, everything. It identifies Jesus as the true High Priest bringing salvation to all mankind. In the last three chapters it switches to application and encouragement to press on in persecution following the examples of faithful men and women who’ve gone before us. The encouragement for us is to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith (12:2) who is the best and perfect solution to the problem of sin and separation from God.
Why else?
Barnes’ commentary provides another reason to read Hebrews: “It is the true key with which to unlock the Old Testament; … he who would understand the Bible thoroughly should make himself familiar with this epistle; that the canon of Scripture would be incomplete without it;”
Encouragement
Yes, I hope you see Jesus as supreme and worthy of all thanks and praise, and how the NT is intricately tied to and based on the OT. But after this fairly in-depth study, my prayer is that you have been blessed by the message of hope and encouragement God provides in this letter. All Christians face trials and tests throughout our lives; the degree is custom-fit by God based on what He knows we need and can handle. We trust Him to be faithful. Have you been encouraged?
Next…
Onto Ezra and Haggai… Grace be with you all.
