Final Appeals
FINAL APPEALS
HEBREWS 13:17-25
In the middle of practical commands comes an exclamation of praise to God.
As he comes to the close of his letter, the author has some final advice for his readers. He begins with a further reference to the place of Christian leaders. All too often church members are harshly critical of their pastors and other ministers, and their attitude may do harm to the cause of Christ. We should not, of course, suggest that ministers are above criticism. They are imperfect and just as liable as anybody else to make mistakes. But they have important work to do and it will be hindered and not helped if they are the objects of constant criticism. Moreover, typically, they are people who have a deep concern for the wellbeing of their people. They “are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account” (13:17). It is therefore good that those who are committed to their care act in such a way that these leaders can render their account “joyfully, and not sadly.”
These leaders are always in need of the help their followers can give by their prayers. So is the writer of the letter, and he includes his personal request for his friends to help him by their intercessions (13:18f.). This leads him into a magnificent blessing that has helped Christians throughout the centuries. It describes God as “the God of peace” and reminds us of his part in bringing about Christ’s resurrection. Christ’s care for us comes out in the description of him as “the great Shepherd of the sheep.” Then we revert to the thought of God’s faithfulness. He has done all this “by the blood of the eternal covenant,” ie the blood that Christ shed is the means of bringing about a covenant which will never be replaced. Since the Son of God himself mediated this covenant, it is final. Then we come to the thought of what God will do in his people, equipping them for service, and the blessing is rounded off with an ascription of glory forever. There are some personal notes, one of which speaks warmly of Timothy (13:23), and the letter is completed with “the grace.”