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Friday Playlist: Hebrews 6:13 - 13:25

Track One: Hebrews 6:13 - 7:28

In reference to ch. 6:13-20, my study bible contains this note. “Because of God’s faithfulness, Christian hope becomes confident expectation.”

In what ways have you seen this statement become true in your own life?

The writer of Hebrews again returns to the subject of the priesthood of Melchizedek and finds significance in several unique components of his identity.

• He is not from the tribe of Israel.
• Abram paid a tithe to him.
• Acccording to Gen. 10, we have no information regarding his lineage or what happens to him.
• An assumption is made in the Rabbi’s teaching of this text that Melchizedek lives on. 

How is the author using these areas of significance to portray Jesus as a priest “in the order of Melchizedek?

Looking at the middle section of today’s reading, we also see again the writer’s belief about the goal of God’s plan. Looking at 7:11-19, the notion of “perfection” is referred to several times. 

What do you think about this language being used to describe God’s plan? 

In what ways is it different from the language you might be more accustomed to hearing about God’s plan? 

What does the language of “perfecting creation” say to you as to the nature of God’s will for our lives and our world? 

Again, looking at this section of scripture, contrast the Levitical Priesthood [those that descended from the line of Aaron] with the Priesthood of Jesus.

What does the author of Hebrews say sets the Priesthood of Jesus apart from the line of Aaron?

Track Two: Hebrews 8:1 - 9:10

The bulk of chapter eight is dedicated to what the author refers to as “the main point,” which is contrasting the new covenant with the previous covenant that God had made with Israel. In 8:6, this new covenant with Jesus functioning as the High Priest is “a more excellent ministry,” a “better covenant,” with “better promises.” 

Looking at the text for chapter eight, how does the author develop the idea that the new covenant is a better covenant? 

8:8 - 11 is a direct quote from Jeremiah 31:31-34. What does this text say about the new covenant that has come in Jesus? 

9:1-10 is dedicated to the discussion of how the Old Covenant functioned for Israel and includes information related to Yom Kippur [the day of Atonement] where the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies and made an annual sacrifice on behalf of the entire nation of Israel. The limitation of this system is illustrated in verse nine where the text says, “gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper.” 

What do you think that statement means? 

What is it saying about the “limitation” of the Old Covenant? 

In what ways does the covenant the Jesus brings to our world “perfect the conscience of the worshiper?”

Track Three: Hebrews 9:11-10:18

In today’s reading, the author of Hebrews continues to develop the contrast between the Old Covenant where sacrifices were made year after year and the new covenant through Jesus in which the sacrifice that is made is done in heaven and “once and for all.” Much of Hebrews is dedicated to an appropriate understanding of the “identity of Jesus.” Scholars refer to this type of study as “christology” or the study of the nature of Jesus Christ. You could fill your whole house with books dedicated to this study, but one of the defining ideas that comes out of this work in mainline Christian teaching is shared in the final verse of our reading today, “where there is forgiveness of there, there is no longer any offering of sin.” 

The sacrifice of Jesus cleans the slate, once and for all. To be forgiven by God [through the blood of Jesus] is to have our sin and blemishes removed forever. The Psalmist writes it this way, “as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.” [Psalm 103:12] 

For many of us, forgiving ourselves for the sins of yesterday is not as easy. We end up carrying around burdens and regrets that God has dealt with long ago, but we struggle to release. The writers of Hebrews quotes from Jeremiah 31 again when he writes, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 

Today, as an act of worship, I want to encourage you to ask God for the strength and wisdom to let go of those past sins and for the courage to recognize the sins in our life today which invite us to a time of humility and repentance. 

Track Four: Hebrews 10:19 - 11:40

In 10:19, the author of Hebrews shifts gears and begins to offer words of encouragement to the recipients of this letter based on the faith claims that have been stated in the preceding chapters. Chapter 11 begins the remembrance of the “Hebrew Hall of Fame of Faith” recalling many of the characters and their stories we find throughout the bible. As we build towards the conclusion of Hebrews, I want to encourage you today to think about the people who are in your “Hall of Fame of Faith.” As you do consider these questions. 

Whose life and commitment to faith inspires you to persevere? 

What is it about their lives and life story that encourages you? 

If you had the opportunity to visit with them about their faith journey what questions would you want to ask them? 

Are there people in your life right now who are looking to you and your faith for encouragement and direction? 

Close your time today giving God thanks for models of faith and service who have been placed in your life and asking for strength to be an example of faith for those who are looking to you. 

Track Five: Hebrews 12:1 - 13:25

Today, we come to the end of our study in the book of Hebrews. We’re reading the final two chapters of this letter which again seek to encourage the reader to “set aside sin” and to “run with perseverance the race set before us.” Chapter 12 goes on to speak about the importance of receiving God’s discipline and direction and to warn disciples of Jesus from falling away from God’s grace. 

Chapter 13 wraps up this letter and provides several specific instructions for serving God well. Looking back at chapter 13, take some time today to write out all the instructions given in verses 1-19. When you have completed your list, work through these three questions. 

Of the disciplines listed, which do you most faithfully participate in? 

Looking at those you’ve been committed to, what are some of the fruits you see in your own life because of your involvement in those practices? [Don't fly by this one. Spend some time reflecting on this!]

Which of the disciplines listed do you need to be more faithful in your participation? 

I hope your heart and life has been blessed by these last two weeks you’ve spent reading through the book of Hebrews. Remember that this book is a wonderful source of inspiration and a place I would encourage you to return to in the future when you feel the need to be uplifted and inspired to keep running your race of faith! 

Peace, 

David