Written by Nate Warren
The Word
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25 Grace be with all of you.
Hebrews 13:20-25
Reflection
And so, the blessing and final greetings of the letter to the Hebrews. The final word is another brief but powerful benediction: Grace be with you.
In some theological circles, Grace is traditionally defined as unmerited favor, at least according to my Sunday-School upbringing. One theological camp teaches irresistible grace, countered in another camp by the concept of prevenient grace. These debates over systematic theology revolve exclusively around the idea of grace as it pertains to salvation. Without entering that debate, nor discounting that salvation indeed is a form of grace, the passage today offers an opportunity to view grace through a wider lens.
In this context, the author is closing their exhortation addressed to those who have been saved, yet the blessing is given all the same. If they have already gained the grace of salvation, what grace is the author intending they receive now?
Examining the long-form blessing at the beginning of the passage, we get some clues.
God performs the blessing – The “God of Peace” invokes the story of Gideon who feared He would die after meeting God face-to-face. Gideon calls him Yahweh-Shalom, after He tells Gideon that he will not die, and provides instruction to bring about a redemption of Israel.
God is powerful – This God raised Jesus from the dead – he’s able to accomplish the blessing
Equiped… – the saints are to be equipped with everything good, worked in them through Jesus
…for doing His will – The good equipping is meant to enable us to please God through our actions and accomplish His mission
By the blood of the covenant/through Jesus – This blessing/equipping/working-in is part of the covenant by Jesus blood. Anyone under the covenant, who have been saved by faith, they are guaranteed this blessing.
Application
It is in this light, that late philosopher, Dallas Willard, spoke of a wider definition of grace, often claiming that “saints use grace like a 747 burns jet fuel.” His assertion is that grace is God enabling us to do what we can’t do by our own effort alone.
Just as the nearly-starving Gideon had no chance of confronting his family or his enslaved country until he met with the Lord, we cannot please Him without the enabling grace He provides to us. It is our part to follow Him, seeking first His Kingdom as we go. As you do so, He will empower you.
Prayer
Father,
May You give me grace to do Your will, to please You,
through Jesus, to whom be glory forever and ever!
Amen
City Life Starter 
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