Thursday
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
(Hebrews 12:14-15, NIV)
Let it be your ambition to live at peace with all men and to achieve holiness “without which no man shall see the Lord.” Be careful that none of you fails to respond to the grace which God gives, for if he does there can very easily spring up in him a bitter spirit which is not only bad in itself but can also poison the lives of many others.
(Hebrews 12:14-15, J.B. Phillips)
Bible scholars are divided on the subject of who wrote the Letter to the Hebrews, but the text itself clearly establishes that its author speaks authoritatively and is well versed in the Old Testament. The letter is written to a Jewish audience that apparently is tempted to “Judaize” the prerequisites for faith in Christ.
The central theme of this letter is the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ. Jesus is greater than the angels, Moses and the prophets, and Aaron and priests that followed him. After emphasizing this fact, the author of Hebrews offers practical advice to his audience about how to preserve their faith in Christ and live a life of obedience. Today’s verses are a part of this practical counsel.
Like the Apostle Peter and Jesus’ brother James, the author of Hebrews argues strongly that Christians must live in peace. Actively working toward living in peace – and being ambitious about it – will keep bitterness at bay. Then, in a well-known benediction, the author of Hebrews describes the “God of peace” who will equip his followers “with everything good for doing his will” so that he can “work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (13:20-21).
Prayer
Holy God, we praise you as the Creator of this world and the Sustainer of life. Give us a vision for peace so that we can faithfully work toward living in peace and harmony. Help us to be ambitious seekers of a life that respects and cares for others. Amen.