Peter reminds us that the word “pastor” isn’t merely a title, it’s a serious calling on one’s life to be a shepherd of God’s flock that is placed under their care. Shepherds (pastors) guide the flock (or spiritual Family), they provide biblical nourishment, they seek after the ones who stray, and they guard the flock from wolves (1 Peter 5). This is why we should all be in constant prayer for Pastor Mary. She is not only responsible for caring for our spiritual Family, but she also knows that those who teach will be judged more strictly (James 3:1).
In today’s passage, the author of Hebrews reminds us of the importance of the leaders of the Church, and how believers are encouraged to live a life that is growing by faith in the Truth, and Truth alone. We read within the passage that the leaders of faith much imitate the life of Christ, and thus their teachings must be of sound biblical doctrine, because the Gospel message of Truth is never changing as “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (v. 8) When Jesus spoke about the future and His return, He warned us of false teachers and to not be led astray (Matthew 24). He said, “And many will turn away from Me and betray and hate each other. Any many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good New about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.” (v. 10-14)
In today’s passage we see the comparison of Old Testament animal sacrifice, to the New Testament sacrifice of Jesus, through His death which reconciled us back to God. Our faith in Christ through our salvation and growing relationship with Him is our greatest gift, because it’s a reminder of Christ’s eternal promise of eternal life with Him forever. Remember, just as Christ was persecuted, so will you and I be persecuted for our faith in Him, but we must never let go of Jesus, the One Who is our True Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love!
Hebrews 13:7-17 NLT
7 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.
Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for Pastor Mary, the shepherd of our spiritual Family. We are blessed to be nourished with Your Truth through her. Holy Spirit, may You impart Your wisdom and strength to Pastor Mary, each day, so that she may continue to be Your guide, to feed, to seek, and to guard Your Church. Please allow each one of us to be continually growing in Your Truth. Help us to walk by faith, to read Your Word, to apply Your Word, and forgive us for sinning against You and others. Prepare each of our hearts to be ready for Your return. Holy Spirit, guide us to know Your voice and to discern when You are not speaking. We stand against false teachings and those who work to mislead Your Church. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.