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Hebrews 13:20-21 - God Equips You with Everything Good for Doing His Will.

Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV) Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

INTRODUCTION

This benediction reminds us of three depictions of God: (1) As the God of peace, he promises harmony and heals disunity among believers. He also wants us to make peace with those who persecute us (see 12:14). (2) As the one who brought Jesus back from the dead, God empowered Jesus' resurrection and exaltation. (3) As the great Shepherd, Christ is the caring guide, the greatest of all the great leaders (including Moses, Joshua, and David, who were also called shepherds). This passage also highlights two significant results of Christ's death and resurrection: (1) God works in us to make us the kind of people that please him, and (2) he equips us to do the kind of work that pleases him. Let God change you from within and then use you to help others. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

Jesus Speaks Peace
   My colleagues George Beverly Shea and Cliff Barrows sang a song together that I always loved: "Jesus Speaks Peace to Me." Study what the Bible says about the Source of peace; you will be blessed.
   Jesus is the Author of peace. Jesus fills our hearts with peace. Jesus gives us peace in trouble. Jesus gives us the fruit of peace. Jesus Himself is our peace. Jesus speaks peace. Jesus will rule in peace. And Jesus, in peace, will crush Satan.
   Jesus' peace is a certainty. The world, however, cannot offer peace. It fights for peace, negotiates for peace, and maneuvers for peace, but it has none to give. So it remains restless.
   A quiet revolution is going on in the world today. It has no fanfare, no media coverage, and no propaganda, yet it is changing the course of lives. It is restoring purpose and meaning as people of all races and nationalities are finding peace with God.
   How has the Lord's peace been restorative to you? [Peace for Each Day by Billy Graham]

ILLUSTRATION

   I have spent many years volunteering in a variety of settings - business organizations, my local community, my kids' schools, and, of course, church. On some occasions, I was asked and promptly agreed; on others, I actively sought out opportunities that interested me.
   Sometimes I'd say yes to too much or to something I wasn't gifted to do and would find myself exhausted, ineffective, and, worst of all, a resentful martyr. This inevitably also depleted my bandwidth for my family. I admit I didn't always consult Jesus about what He wanted me to do. I also confess that sometimes I was working for perks - mainly, heavenly or human accolades.
   I have a lot of skills, energy, and interests, but I'm not called to do everything, nor does Jesus equip me to do everything. It took me a while to understand that everything I do should be for His glory. Now I know that if what I do is not for Jesus, then it's no good for me. These days, I seek Jesus's direction before saying yes or jumping up to volunteer. Isabella Campolattaro
   Faith Step: Does this devotional strike a chord? Take time to make a complete list of all you do. Consider praying and fasting for a week or more to seek Jesus's direction for what He wants for you. [Mornings With Jesus 2025 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

CLOSING THOUGHT

   Whatever God commands us to do, He fully equips us to accomplish. That truth is implied in "make you complete," a phrase that means "to equip, to thoroughly complete, to strengthen" and "to repair or mend what was broken." If we are to experience all that God intends for us, we must place our lives completely in His hands. God knows what your life can become. He understands your potential for serving Him and impacting His kingdom, and He is unwilling to have you settle for less than His best. Nothing in your past or present daunts Him. You may grow discouraged, but He remains faithful. Patient and long-suffering, He will continue His work in your life - and He always completes what He starts.
   So wholly submit yourself to God's good work in you until He has fully accomplished all that He wants to do in and through your life. Your Good Shepherd will guide, equip, strengthen, heal, provide for, and love you this day and always. [Being Still With God Every Day by Henry Blackaby]

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY

Romans 15:13 - Hope, Joy and Peace are in a Relationship with Jesus.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240115-0738.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/