Hebrews 13-- Be Content

Scripture: Hebrews 13 (specifically, verses 5-6)

I've never had much of a handle on Hebrews 13. After chapters 8-12 carry forward such powerful illustrations and teachings, and then 13 just seems like a grab-bag of whatever else the author had to say. An instruction here, and exhortation there.

Hebrews 12:18-29-- You Have Come to Mount Zion

Scripture: Hebrews 12:19-29

There's a moment early in the series The West Wing that has stuck with me. It's the first day on the job for the President's new body man, Charlie, and he's witnessing the President publicly respond to some sort of crisis. He marvels to one of the staffers, Josh, that he's "never felt like this before." Josh smiles and says, "It never goes away."

Hebrews 12:4-11-- What Children Are Not Disciplined?

Scripture: Hebrews 12:4-11

To review the recent parts of Hebrews: in the face of suffering and hardships, our faith ought to carry us forward as we keep our eyes on eternal truths, just as the Old Testament heroes did and just as Jesus did.

But if you're like me, this isn't easy. In fact, it's super hard. When I'm in the middle of suffering and hardship, I want to keep my eyes on... my suffering and hardship. 

And all the while, amid my pain, complaints, and grumpiness, one question permeates my thoughts and words-- "Why, God? Why?"

Hebrews 12:1-3-- Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Some things are just meant to be taken in a larger context. Sure, The Dark Knight and The Bourne Ultimatum are awesome movies on their own; but you get a lot more when you view (or at least consider) each as part of its respective trilogy. The same could be said for individual episodes of LOST, books in the Narnia series, and for my 2+ faithful readers (thanks, Mom and Dad), maybe even this blog post.

Unfortunately, I think we often fail to respect this principle, and one instance of this is the reading of Hebrews 12:1-3.