Hebrews 13:5-14 | What's the connection?

We have gone through the entire book of Hebrews and the connection points have remained consistent. The place where these Jewish believers are is a tough one. There are pressures from all sides calling them in. There is greed, worldly lusts, and vain promises that hold a significant appeal. Many of the same things that plague us today also plagued them in their day. Only then, the consequences were much greater.

All of this leads to an important realization about what is being instructed, and it may be tough for us to follow. In short, they are being told to forsake the pleasantries and ease that can be in their lives for the sake of obedience to the Lord. This is where love enters the conversation. One of the two will be sacrificed, either the world or their relationship with the Lord. You cannot serve two masters. While it may be a tough teaching, the original audience has just had a framework laid out for them in the entire book. Jesus is greater than any of the other options. The promises are solid. The victory will ultimately belong to them. Every forefather in their faith clung to the promises of God, and so now the encouragement is to do the same. Cling to the Lord and hold fast to His promises. Imitate His life. Don't look to the world to fulfill what only God can.

The verses that the writer to the Hebrews emphasizes are powerful verses. One comes out of the end of Deuteronomy and the beginning of Joshua and is the charge that is given prior to Joshua and the people of Israel conquering the Promised Land. God will neither leave nor forsake you. Just as God delivered His people then, so He will do now. The second verse that is quoted comes from Psalm 118. The psalm is about conquest and victory. In short, these two piece together and inform the reader that God is working to deliver His people and their faith and love for the Lord is not in vain. May we take from the very same promise and hold fast to our confession to the end. Amen.

What connection are you seeing?