Change is Not Possible?
He Equips – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:15-21

Key Verse: Hebrews 13:21

equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Our key verse speaks of doing everything good in order to accomplish God’s will.  If we are not careful we may feel that God expects more of us than we can deliver.  However, the good news is these verses do not leave the work in our hands.  We go to verse 20 and quickly realize it is the God of peace, through the eternal covenant that brought Jesus back from the dead, that does the work!  It is in this verse that God wants us to see Jesus as the great “Shepherd of the sheep”—we who believe!

The picture that these verses paint brings understanding about “job responsibilities.”  God gives Himself the responsibilities of equipping us and working in us all that pleases Him!  Our abilities find their source in God’s work, not our efforts.  This brings two clear implications.  First, I should offer praise to God for every good thing in me and every talent I do have is because of God’s gracious work through the great Shepherd in my life!

The second implication is that we can have real and permanent change in our hearts and lives!  This change comes to us as we listen and obey the voice of our “Shepherd.”  We, as sheep, have one responsibility: Follow our Shepherd.  As we remain in Him, we will become more and more like Him.  (Continued)

Father, I want to grow into a person who represents Jesus well!  Work in me today your equipping work.  I ask in Jesus name, amen.