THE POWER OF GOD'S PEACE AND PROVISION based on Hebrews 13:20-21,

THE POWER OF GOD'S PEACE AND PROVISION based on Hebrews 13:20-21,

In this fast-paced world that we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. We are constantly bombarded with demands from work, family, and society, leaving little time for rest and reflection. It's no wonder that stress and anxiety have become so prevalent in our society. If I had known how busy I'd be after retirement I'd have kept working. I didn't retire from work. I only retired from getting paid for it 

But in the midst of all the chaos, there is a promise of peace and provision from a higher power. In the book of Hebrews, chapter 13, verses 20-21, we read a powerful prayer that reminds us of the power of God's peace and provision in our lives.

"Now may the God of peace who raised 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."

These verses serve as a reminder to us that we serve a loving and caring God who desires to equip us with everything good so that we can do His will. Let's break down this powerful prayer and reflect on its meaning for our lives.

THE GOD OF PEACE

Firstly, this prayer addresses God as "the God of peace". The God of peace is a powerful title that speaks to the character and nature of the Almighty. In a world filled with chaos, confusion, and strife, it is comforting to know that there is a God who embodies peace. This title emphasizes God's role as the ultimate source of peace, not just in our personal lives but in the world as a whole. It reminds us that no matter how tumultuous our circumstances may be, we can turn to God and find true peace. In fact, as we find in Philippians 4:7, it is "peace which surpasses all understanding." This signifies a peace that is beyond human comprehension, a divine peace that transcends earthly anxieties and circumstances. I have found in my own life that it's not just a feeling of calm or tranquility, but a supernatural peace that comes from God and guards the believer's heart and mind often when we are facing the greatest challenges and struggles that we experience the peace of God in the most profound ways.  As stated in 1 Corinthians 14:33, our God is not a God of disorder or confusion, but of peace and order. This means that even when everything around us seems to be falling apart, we can trust in the unchanging and peaceful nature of our Heavenly Father. He is the one who brings peace to our hearts and minds, calming our fears and anxieties. As we seek to understand and embrace the God of peace, we can find rest and comfort in His presence. Ultimately, this title serves as a reminder that despite the chaos in our world, there is a God who reigns with perfect peace, and He invites us to experience His peace in our lives every day.

THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION

The next part of this prayer reminds us of the power of the resurrection. It says "who raised from the dead our Lord Jesus". This powerful statement is a reference to the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, we have been given new life and the promise of eternal salvation. Romans 5:10-11 reveals that when Jesus rose from the dead, He took us out of being 'in Adam' or being spiritually dead, and now we have life in Christ, we have His life. In short, we are forgiven by His death and saved by His resurrection life.

This is a reminder that no matter what struggles we may face in this life, we can find hope and strength in the power of the resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus represents the victory over sin and death, and it is through His resurrection that we are able to experience true forgiveness and redemption. This part of the prayer serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult our circumstances may seem, we have the assurance that Jesus has overcome the world and has given us new life. It is a call to trust in the power of the resurrection and to hold onto the hope that it brings, knowing that through Jesus, we have been given victory over all things. This powerful statement in the prayer is a reminder of the life-changing impact of Jesus' death and resurrection, and it encourages us to live boldly and confidently in the truth of His sacrifice for us.

• THE GREAT SHEPHERD

The next part of this prayer refers to Jesus as "the great shepherd of the sheep". In John 10:11. Jesus proclaims, "I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep". 

This title speaks to the role that Jesus plays in our lives as our guide and protector. In the Bible, sheep are often used as a symbol for humanity, and in this context, Jesus is portrayed as a loving and caring shepherd who watches over his flock. Just as a shepherd knows each of his sheep by name and leads them to safety, Jesus knows each of us intimately and guides us on our journey through life. He is not only our leader but also our protector, always keeping us safe from harm and danger. This title serves as a reminder to us that we are never alone, and that Jesus is constantly watching over us, guiding us towards righteousness and protecting us from the trials and challenges of life. It also shows the depth of Jesus' love for us, as he cares deeply for each and every one of us and wants us to thrive and flourish in our lives. As we pray to Jesus as "the great shepherd of the sheep", we are acknowledging his role in our lives and placing our trust in him to lead us on the right path.

THE BLOOD OF THE ETERNAL COVENANT

The phrase "by the blood of the eternal covenant" holds great significance and serves as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. It symbolizes the ultimate act of love and selflessness, as through His blood, we have been redeemed and reconciled with God. This powerful phrase serves as a constant reminder of the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice, and the depth of His love for us. It is through this eternal covenant that we are able to have a relationship with God and receive His blessings. The shedding of Jesus' blood serves as a bridge between humanity and God, providing a way for us to be forgiven and made new. This phrase is a testament to the unbreakable bond between God and His people, an unbreakable bond that was sealed with the blood of Jesus. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate price that was paid for our salvation, and the eternal love that God has for us. Through the blood of the eternal covenant, we are given the opportunity to enter into a deep and meaningful relationship with our Creator, and to experience His endless blessings in our lives.

EQUIPPED WITH EVERYTHING GOOD

The next part of this prayer is a promise from God that He will equip us with everything good. This promise is a reassurance that God is always with us and will provide us with the necessary tools and resources to fulfill His will for our lives. It reminds us that we are not alone and that God has a plan for each and every one of us. In times when we may doubt our abilities or question our own strength, this promise serves as a reminder that God will never leave us stranded and will always provide us with everything we need. It gives us hope and confidence to face any challenges or tasks that may come our way, knowing that God will equip us with everything good to accomplish His purpose. With this promise, we can rest assured that we are capable and empowered to do His will, even in situations where we may feel ill-equipped. It shows the depth of God's love for us, as He not only guides and directs us, but also equips us with the necessary skills and tools to fulfill His plan for our lives. This promise serves as a source of strength, encouragement, and assurance that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

WORKING IN US

The phrase "working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ" in the prayer is a powerful reminder that our ability to do God's will is not dependent on our own strength. It acknowledges that through Jesus Christ, God works within us to transform us into vessels that are pleasing in His sight. This highlights the importance of surrendering our lives to God and allowing Him to work in us. It is a humbling recognition that our own efforts and actions alone are not enough, but it is through His power and grace that we are able to live a life that is pleasing to Him. This statement serves as a reminder of our dependence on God and the need for constant surrender and reliance on Him. Through His power, He can shape and mold us into the people He wants us to be, ultimately bringing glory to His name. As we pray these words, we are reminded of the transformative work of God in our lives and the importance of continually seeking His will and allowing Him to work within us.

TO WHOM BE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER

Lastly, this prayer ends with a declaration of praise and glory to God forever and ever. It serves as a powerful reminder that all the blessings and goodness in our lives come from Him. It is easy to get caught up in our own achievements and forget that without God's grace and guidance, we would not be where we are today. This declaration of praise humbles us and redirects our focus back to God, acknowledging Him as the source of all our blessings. It also serves as a reminder to give credit where credit is due – to our Heavenly Father. As we carry out His will and experience His provision and peace, it is important to remember that it is by His grace and love that we are able to do so. This declaration of praise is a beautiful way to end the prayer, as it reaffirms our faith in God and expresses our gratitude for all that He has done for us. Ultimately, it reminds us that our lives should be lived for the glory of God, as He deserves all the honor and praise forever and ever.

In conclusion, this prayer from the book of Hebrews serves as a powerful reminder of the peace and provision that God offers us through His son Jesus Christ. In the midst of our busy lives, let us not forget to turn to Him for rest, strength, and guidance. May we be encouraged by these words and continue to walk in faith, knowing that we serve a loving and faithful God who equips us with everything good to fulfill His will. Let us give Him all the glory and honor, forever and ever. Amen.