Hebrews: Christ Is Greater and BetterPrøve

Christ does not Change. Read Hebrews 13:1-8 The changeless character of our Lord Jesus Christ affirms and encourages us to live a life of brotherly love, hospitality and contentment. We have to persevere in love (v 1). Love needs perseverance as much as faith needs perseverance. Hospitality (v 2), when fully displayed, results in charity, kindness and compassion and we do well if we heed Christ’s words: 'He who receives you receives me' (Matthew 10:40-42). Further, make it a point to identify with the suffering members of the body of Christ (v 3). Sexual immorality and love of money belong to the same category of the sin of covetousness (vs 4-5; Exodus 20:17). A greedy person can never be happy, but the opposite of covetousness is contentment. 'However, this carefree contentment is not an irresponsible improvidence; it springs from an intelligent trust in God and acceptance of his promises' (vs 5b-6; F. F Bruce). Every church has a beginning and a past and it is good to remember its pioneers of faith. If you have been long in the church, you would know someone who has faithfully completed the race. We should always emulate what they have done and thank God for them. As we consider the past and the present and look towards the future the changelessness of our Lord Jesus Christ stabilises us. He is the past sacrifice, a present intercessor and the coming and final consummation. The earth may quake and the mountains tumble, but fear not for our God is an ever-present help (Psalm 46:1).