Hebrews 13 (5)

Introduction
We have come outside the camp (v. 13); we have departed the earthly city (v. 14); and we are, through Jesus, on a journey toward the City to Come (Ps. 84). We should expect our conduct en route to be different from what we were like in that old earthly city, when we appealed to sacrifices that could bring us no rest. Now, resting in the Lord and His promises, we are embarked on a journey that requires a different manner of life. The Psalms of Ascent – Psalms 120-134 – were sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem. They can guide us in our path and keep us focused on the City to Come.

Read Psalm 124.

Read Hebrews 13.14-19.

Think it through.
1.  Our passage contains several verbs in the imperative mood. How many can you identify? How does each of these serve to help us make progress toward the City to Come? We note that, at the head of these imperative verbs, is the command to worship by the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Meditate on Romans 12.1. How is it a “reasonable service” to bring worship into every aspect of our lives? How does worship help us to keep focused in our journey? How might you bring more worship into your walk with and work for the Lord?

2.  Why do believers need someone to “rule over” them (vv. 7, 17)? How do these “rulers” “watch out” for our souls? Should every Christian have someone watching over their souls? To what end? What does it require of us to be so ruled? How can we make this a work done “with joy and not with grief” on the part of those who watch over our souls? How should we expect to profit from this work? Why is this an important part of our journey toward the City to Come?

Meditate.
“He brought out the sacrifice of praise that is pleasing to God. To it he linked also that of doing good, which he was right to refer to as sharing.” Theodoreet of Cyr (393-466 AD)

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 1 Peter 5.2-4

Today on my journey with You, Lord, help me to…

Pray Psalm 125.
As you pray this Psalm of Ascent, think of the City to Come and of that part of the journey thereunto which you will complete today. Pray accordingly. Would it help you on your journey to pray or sing parts of this psalm throughout the day?

Psalm 125.1-5 (St. Gertrude: Onward, Christian Soldiers)
All who trust in Jesus, strong as Zion stand!
Naught shall ever move them from their promised land!
Like the hills surrounding safe Jerusalem, 
Christ surrounds His Church and holds her in His mighty Hand!
Refrain, v. 1
All who trust in Jesus, strong as Zion stand!
Naught shall ever move them from their promised land!

Wickedness shall rest not on this holy land; 
Sinfulness shall never come forth from their hand.  
Trusting in the Savior, firm in His caress, 
Ever shall His favor on this holy city rest. 
Refrain

Lord, do good and care for those upright in heart. 
All who turn to evil shall from You depart. 
Sinful men may increase; send them, Lord, to hell!
Save Your people, let your peace abound in Israel!
Refrain

T. M Moore

Do you receive our twice-weekly teaching letter Crosfigell? Here the wisdom of God’s Word and that of our Celtic Christian forebears speaks to us of how to follow Him in our day. Begin reading Crosfigell by clicking here, then use the pop-up on the home page to subscribe. Crosfigellcomes out on Tuesday and Thursday.

For a better understanding of the book of Hebrews, and all the books of the Bible, order a copy of the workbook, God’s Covenant, from our online store. The studies in this workbook will show you how the parts of the Bible connect with one another to tell the story of God’s redemption and glory (click here). To learn more about Christ in His exaltation, order the book, The Kingship of Jesus (click here).

Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute buttonat the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.