For Better or For Worse

My little sister is getting married in two weeks. This morning I wrote the first draft of my toast for the reception. Tears soaked my journal as I wrote out line after line about my love and prayers for her and her soon-to-be husband. 

The tears weren’t from a place of sadness, though; they were from a place of joy, and this is why: I know my sister and her husband love one another deeply, love our God passionately, and love others thoroughly. Though there may be challenges along the way, God has equipped them with everything they need to live life well together, for as long as they both shall live. They are ready– as ready as any human being can be – to prayerfully enter into this beautiful thing called marriage. 

Our time in Hebrews comes to a close this week. And how the author ends the letter is extraordinary.

Now may the God of peace who brought again 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…Grace be with all of you. Hebrews 13:20-21;25

The original readers of Hebrews are entering into a season of known challenges. Persecution is fast approaching. Struggles have begun. And yet our author ends this letter with resounding joy. 

Why? 

Because our God – who breathes life into dry bones, who sent the Great Shepherd to earth to buy us back from death and shepherd us as we walk in the light – has equipped us with everything we could ever possibly need to live life on mission for Him. 

Christianity, like marriage, is not a guarantee of smooth sailing. But it IS an eternal covenant, in which we have a God who works His will out in and through us – not out of obligation, but because He delights in doing so! 

He has promised promise to love us, comfort us, honor and keep us for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, for the rest of eternity. 

If you know Jesus, you have everything you need to do His will.  You have a hope and a future. 

The world longs for hope. The world questions the future. The world is waiting for a Shepherd. 

You know Him.

What are you waiting for?

As we close the book of Hebrews for now, let’s walk in His will. Together. 

With love and great joy,
Erika