Hebrews 13:17-25. In yesterday’s reading we saw the author encourage the believers to live like a family, the family of God. Part of that was caring for each other. In today’s reading he encourages them to honor the leaders in their group; to listen to and obey them. He also asks them to pray for him. According to verses 23-24 the author wants to come visit them soon. He seems to want to visit with Timothy who had just been released from jail or prison. According to verse 24 he seems to be in Italy. A good case can be made that the author was Luke, the same guy who wrote the book of Luke and the book of Acts. Luke was a traveling companion of Paul on many of his journeys around the Mediterranean world starting churches. He also was a friend of Peter. It is likely that Peter was a main source for the book of Luke and that it was written from Rome about 65 AD just before Paul was executed. Timothy was also a traveling companion of Paul and may have been jailed at the same time but then released. So it would be appropriate for the author, if it was Luke, to be asking for prayer.
In verse 20-21 we see a typical ending to a roman letter, a blessing or benediction (benediction means “good words”). The authors “wish” or prayer for them is that god will give them everything they need to keep following Him. Notice that God is described as a God of peace and one who can restore a person from death. Also notice the description of Jesus as a “great shepherd” who gave his own life to save us. All of this will eventually work out for God’s honor. Some people think that that is selfish but if you think about it, if we are all honoring God in the end we must realize that he has truly done something great. The author ends the letter with a final wish or prayer that they will all have a part of the wonderful free gift of eternity with God (that is what grace means).
God help me honor you, respect your leaders, pray for them, and keep my eyes on the free gift of peace with you that you have given me. Help me be and example of your love to all around me and give me opportunities to tell others about who Jesus is and what he has done. Give me courage and faith.