Tonight, Fr. Gabriel will conclude his teaching on Hebrews. Please read Hebrews 12-13. The letter concludes with a benediction that we often use during Compline:
May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our
Hebrews 13:20-21; 1979 BCP 132
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 you that which is pleasing in his sight;
thought Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Within this benediction, the writer sets forth a three-fold understanding of both God (the Father) and Jesus. First, God is a God of peace. A God of that peace which passes all understanding. Phil 4:7. Second, God is a God of life. A God who breathed life into the first Adam, and brought back the second Adam back from the dead, and if he, then we as well. Eph. 2:5-6. Third, God is a God who both shows us his will and equips us to do the same. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10.
And Jesus is likewise characterized in three ways. First he is the shepherd of the sheep. The Good Shepherd, as John tells us. John 10. Jesus is the one who establishes the new covenant through his blood. As Jesus says, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” 1 Cor. 11:24. Third, Jesus is the one who died for us. “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures” 1 Cor. 15:3 If you have time today, think through this benediction so we can pray the same in all fullness tonight.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is chicken bog. Teaching about 6:45. Hope to see you here.
And the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Philemon 25