The Letter to the Hebrews, like most other New Testament letters, has a fairly simple two part structure. The first part is a recap of some foundational theological truths (in this case the supremacy of Jesus, above any other person, priest or system). The second part is then a series of practical actions that we as readers are to perform, or recommit to performing, as followers of Jesus.
In the case of Hebrews the actions can be handily packaged together, since there are eight ‘let us…’ statements that the author makes in the final quarter of the letter. In view of all that he has explained beforehand, the writer urges us to do the following eight things.
- Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and in full assurance of faith…
- Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess…
- Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds…
- Let us not give up meeting together…
- Let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching…
- Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…
- Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…
- Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, author and perfecter of our faith…
(Hebrews 10:19-25 and Hebrews 12:1-3)
Interesting that the first three concepts here are the same as the Apostle Paul’s favourite triplet of faith, hope and love, and are even covered in the same order. Further evidence that Paul and the writer of Hebrews were probably close associates (for what it’s worth my money is on Barnabas as the author. He was a Levite, so it makes sense of why the letter unpacks the whole Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system, and portrays Jesus as the fulfilment of it).
So there’s eight practical things for you to be working on, following on from all that’s been said in the first three quarters of the Letter to the Hebrews. Which one or two do you need to concentrate on doing more? And how will you start (or re-start) your efforts to do those this week?
Mark Williamson works as a director of One Rock. He’s an experienced leadership trainer, author of biographies on John Wesley and William Wilberforce, and is also passionate about praying for London. He enjoys good films, good food, and going for long walks with his wife Joanna. You can follow him on Twitter @markonerock.