Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 WEB

These verses concerning an eternal covenant close out a letter to persecuted Jewish Christians. In the letter, Paul asks for prayer and in humility asserts that he wants to live an honorable life of clear conscience. Hebrews explains the superior nature of the new covenant secured by the blood of Jesus Christ. The letter encourages Christians to hold fast to their faith in the face of persecution, choosing to live in obedience to God in their struggle. Finally, Paul affirms that Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of how to live a Godly life.

The Lord Gives Peace

The apostle Paul demonstrates his humble nature by his giving the glory to Jesus for leading Christians into good works. God is revealed as a God of peace and Jesus is addressed as the great shepherd. The peace we receive is through reconciliation to God himself. The Lord gives us this peace through the forgiveness of sin accomplished on the cross by the blood of Christ. Jesus is the great shepherd, protecting, providing, and caring for those who believe in him.

The risen Jesus is the key to this scripture about an eternal covenant. Paul is conveying that God’s plan, since the founding of the world, was to redeem mankind from sin through the sacrifice made on the cross. The early Christians shared in Jesus’ suffering, but God lovingly provided the grace to endure hardship just as he lovingly saves us from sin through grace in Jesus Christ.

Yesterday’s Devotional: Blessed Forever