DIVINE EQUIPPING

DIVINE EQUIPPING
Heb 13:20-25
"May the God of peace…equip you…." (vv.20-21).

WITH SO MUCH AT STAKE, AND SO much asked of the readers, how can they meet the expectation? The writer of the epistle answers that with a benediction (vv.20-21). He points them to "the God of peace" and "that great Shepherd of the sheep". In God we find peace and power for living. Since He brought back the Lord Jesus from the dead, nothing can be greater than His resurrection power. In Jesus, we find the care of the best shepherd. Is there anything else we need?

The promise is given that God will equip us. The word translated equip is an instructive word. It is used in Mark 1.19 where James and John are found "preparing (or equipping) their nets". Before fishermen launch out on the next expedition, they have to repair the nets which are damaged from the previous trip. To equip means to mend what is broken or to supply what is lacking. In the same way, we need divine equipping. Our lives are often worn out and torn through the rough and tumble of living. We need to come to Him for repairs and re-fitting.

God equips us that we may do His will. At the same time, He works in us what is pleasing to Him (v.21). The words "do" and "work" are the same in the original, giving us the sense, "may you work His will, He working in you". The question of God's part and our part in the Christian life has often been debated. Some tell us, "Let go, let God" meaning we do nothing, God does everything. Others say, "God helps those who help themselves" meaning we do everything, God only helps along. Neither of these is the right biblical perspective. We work, God works. Both are equally necessary.

The epistle to the Hebrews finally ends with a strange apology, "Brothers, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter." (v.22). Commentators find it puzzling that a letter of 13 chapters should be considered short. But the length of a letter or a sermon is relative. When I first preached my usual 30-minute sermon in a church in India, the hearers remarked that it was too short. Since time was taken up with interpretation, I was told I could take up to 2 hours!

Commentators also wonder how Hebrews, a doctrinal treatise of some substance, could be called a "word of exhortation". But that may be missing the point of the whole epistle. True, it has its theological themes, but each is matched by the hortatory "let us" command. Every spiritual truth must compel us to decisive action.

Now that we have completed our study of Hebrews, what difference has it made to our lives?

How am I equipped for action?