Read Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 . If you think Hebrews, you think about Jesus the Great High Priest. That’s the main picture in Hebrews. The old ways of religion put a lot of stress on temple activities. The people had to go to the temple. And the priest in the temple had the duty to offer sacrifices to God. The people believed that God would be pleased with these practices.
Hebrews says that now, there’s no need for a priest at the front. And the sacrifices of animals are no longer important. Jesus is the Great High Priest. And he himself changed the whole idea of what sacrifice was about.
So, if we don’t offer animal sacrifices, what is it that pleases God?
Right living! Loving each other - caring – which is what Jesus was all about.
It’s near the end of the book, so the writer is wrapping up with advice about what it means to live rightly.
One writer[i] has looked at verses 1 to 5 and seen four virtues to follow: hospitality, empathy, fidelity and contentment.
Hospitality - who has entertained angels without knowing it? (Heb 13:2). Well, there are three examples in scripture. Abraham (Gen 18:1), Gideon (Judges 6:11) and Manoah (Judges 13:2). But it can happen at any time, anywhere. Why don’t we know when we’re entertaining angels? Because they don’t look important from the outside. They don’t have wings, or shining clothes, or big booming voices. These angels could be anyone who has a humble, servant heart.
Last week, we heard that we should regard others as better than ourselves. It’s a good attitude, because we really can’t judge who is closest to God. Angels can look like homeless people.
Empathy. Think of those in prison or subject to violence. Think of them strongly enough to imagine that you were in their place.
The last two pieces of advice seem obvious, but they really matter. Be true in your relationships, whether married or not. And don’t be greedy, but be happy with what you’ve got.
So these qualities – hospitality, empathy, fidelity and contentment – are ways that we truly show love for each other.
And that’s what God wants! Our sacrifices aren’t of animals, or other things we have around, they’re directly of praise to Him, and in telling others of Him– “the fruit of lips that confess his name”. And in serving our neighbours. “Do good … and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Heb 13:16).
[i] Life Application Bible. Tyndale, 1991.
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