This begins with a beautiful invocation to the God of peace, who is characterized as the one who brought Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, back from the dead through the blood of the eternal covenant. This introduction sets the tone for the subsequent statements, revealing the power and authority of God and His work in the lives of believers.
- God's Work of Completeness:
"Now may the God of peace... make you complete in every good work to do his will." This verse highlights the transformative work of God in our lives. He desires to bring us to a state of completeness, equipping us to engage in every good work that aligns with His will. God's desire is not only for our spiritual well-being but also for our active participation in doing good, fulfilling the purpose He has for each of us.
- Working in Us:
"...working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight." This statement underscores the active role of God in working within us. It emphasizes that it is God who empowers and enables us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. As we yield ourselves to Him, He works in us, transforming our hearts, renewing our minds, and empowering us to live according to His divine standards.
- Through Jesus Christ:
"...through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever." This phrase emphasizes the central role of Jesus Christ in the process of our transformation. It is through Him that God's work of completeness and empowerment takes place. Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, is the mediator of the eternal covenant, and it is in and through Him that we find the source of our salvation and the power to live out God's will.
The overarching message of Hebrews 13:20-21 is a prayerful declaration of God's intention and ability to work in us, making us complete and empowering us to fulfill His will. It acknowledges that our transformation and ability to do good works are not solely dependent on our own efforts but are the result of God's grace and active involvement in our lives.
Furthermore, this passage reminds us that the work God does in us is not for our own glory but for His glory. As we surrender to His will and allow Him to work in and through us, we become vessels that reflect His glory and bring honor to His name. Our lives are meant to be testimonies of His transformative power and the grace He bestows upon us.
In conclusion, Hebrews 13:20-21 serves as a powerful reminder of God's work in our lives and our call to live in accordance with His will. It assures us that God, the God of peace, is actively involved in making us complete and empowering us to do every good work. We are called to yield to His work, allowing Him to transform us and work through us for His glory. May these verses inspire us to live with a sense of purpose, relying on God's strength and guidance, and seeking to fulfill His will in all that we do.
Hebrews 13:20-21. Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.