Have you ever been in one of those situations where you were really working to get a last few thoughts into a conversation you were having with someone?  Your closing remarks are your last chance to convince someone of something, to get a last few thoughts in, to make a point.  The author of Hebrews offers a lot in the last chapter of the book.  The entirety of the book is about how Jesus is better than everything else but chapter 13 is the chance to throw a few other things in.  I encourage you to read the entire chapter but here are a few verses to look at together today.

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. 10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.

There are exhortations to follow leaders, praise Jesus with their lips, do good to others, share with others, pray, and hold on to the teachings of Jesus amongst other things.  It got me thinking about the times I have an opportunity for “closing remarks”.  What are the things of faith that I am eager to share with others.  Is it Jesus’ love?  Is it grace?  Is it encouragements for how to live?  These days I find myself speaking with others a lot about how life just works better with Jesus.  Without Him so much of life feels meaningless but Jesus gives us purpose.  He sends us on a mission and He shows and tells us how to live.  My prayer is that for all of us our “closing remarks” would be somehow pointing others to Jesus.  Nothing else in life is quite so important.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave