Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 13Let mutual love continue. Verse 2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Verse 3Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Verse 4Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Verse 5Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Verse 6So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" Verse 7Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Verse 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Verse 15Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Verse 16Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Devotion
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” What a statement from the author of Hebrews! He or she reminds us that there is no distinction between the kingdom of heaven and where we find ourselves today. How often do we separate our “worship” lives from our “daily” lives? What we do for God versus what we do for ourselves and others? Hebrews reminds us that we are shaped by God’s love in Jesus Christ to live beyond ourselves for the sake of our neighbor, and we are to do this continually. Yet we do not do this alone. We are constantly accompanied by the one who said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Through this the Word of God meets us as both law and gospel, demanding that we continually offer a sacrifice of praise and yet knowing that we are in Christ Jesus, who is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Prayer
Gracious God of hospitality and care, we ask that you strengthen us with your word so that mutual love may continue. Guide us with your will, and remind us always of your love; a love that we are called to share with the world. In the name of the one who is the same yesterday and today and forever, Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.