Hebrews 13:20-21 A Closing Prayer

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, 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. Hebrews 13:20-21, ESV
 
The author of Hebrews ends his magnificent book with a prayer of benediction for his readers: the saints who first read his book, those who read it through the ages, and us as we continue to read it today.
 
This prayer has a gospel foundation. “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 …” God has made peace with sinners through the resurrection of the crucified Christ. Our sin had made us enemies of God. His sacrifice and defeat of death lead to our reconciliation and adoption into God’s family. This same Christ now shepherds the sheep. He not only rescues His people, but, through His Holy Spirit, nurtures and cares for them.  God has given us the greatest gift of all in Christ and here the author is asking for even more!
 
His prayer has a righteous request. “Now may the God of peace . . . 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.” He is asking God to equip us with all we need in order to accomplish God’s will in this world! Since God’s will is righteous, this equipping is “with everything good”! This equipping will not only bring about God’s will in this world, but it will also bring about His will in us and make us “pleasing in His sight”! Finally, this equipping will do the best work of all: it will bring glory to Jesus that He will enjoy forever!
 
This is my prayer for you today:
 
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, 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.
 
Pastor Don