Hebrews 12 and 13

Hebrews 12 & 13

There are a number of things wonderful simple statements of guidance in these chapters. Here are the ones that I noticed:

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.” Sin is the greatest burden in life.

“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” Sometimes life is much easier if we accept those things that we cannot change, and look at things we must do as our duty in life.

“Jesus… endured the cross, despising the shame.” Crucifixion was the most shameful way a person could die. Early non-believers scoffed at the idea that a person who had been crucified should be worshipped. Crucifixion was one of the ways the Savior “descended below all things.”

“Despise not thou the chastening of the Lord… For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth… For what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” Our trials are the very things that help us to grow and become more like our Heavenly Father if we endure them well.

“Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits and live?” We were born into a pre-mortal life as spirit children of a Heavenly Father. The fact that he is a personable, approachable, and loving God, does not make him less of a God, but more so.

“Lift up the hands that hang down, and the feeble knees.” The best way we can care for ourselves is to care for others.

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” We should be kind to all, regardless of appearance, or physical or emotional condition, for we never know who they really are, or who they were prior to this life.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever. Be not carried away with divers and strange doctrines.” His truths will always stand the test of time. The interpretations of men will always fall by the wayside.

“Obey them that rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account.” Our church leaders care deeply for us and know they are accountable before God for how they lead us. They will not lead us astray.

“Now the God of peace… make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ.” God can do so much more with our lives than we can.