Hebrews 13:1-16
Brotherly love can be exercised in many ways: hospitality which leads to the blessing of the one who practises it (v. 2); sympathy which identifies itself with those who suffer (v. 3; Hebrews 10:34); doing good in which God Himself takes pleasure (v. 16).
Avarice, sadly, has several faces too. We can love not only the money we have, but also that which we hope to have. Let us learn to be content with whatever we have at the particular moment. And for tomorrow’s needs or dangers, let us lean "boldly" (in full confidence) on the Lord’s faithfulness (v. 6; Matthew 6:31-34). He who is our helper cannot change. "Thou art the same" said Hebrews 1:12. V. 8 concludes with a statement of unfathomable wonder: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." If He is sufficient for us, the "divers and strange doctrines" of v. 9 will have no hold upon us. We will be ready to leave the camp of mere formal religion (cf. Exodus 33:7) and go to the Lord Jesus alone, to the place where His presence is promised. He has offered the supreme sacrifice. Our privilege is to offer to God, in return, not just on Sundays but continually, a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips. This fruit ripens first in our heart (Psalms 45:1).