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Friday, June 12, 2009
Hebrews 13:1Let brotherly love continue.
After 12 chapters of talking about Christ and his glory, the author of Hebrews, in the final chapter turns to us and says, "Let brotherly love continue." This statement is a command. It is an imperative. It is basically saying, Christ is far greater than anything you can think of, THEREFORE, love your brothers. This statement is a commendation. It is a praise. Brotherly love cannot continue unless it was already present. The author is stating that the current state of affairs is beneficial to the group and THEREFORE it should stay in place. This statement is about community. It is relational. John Owen says, "A love has its foundation in relation. Where there is a relation, there is love, or there ought to be; and where there is no relation, there can be no love." Without community, there can be no experience of love. In fact, there is a relationship even between the Godhead. What then is the effect of not loving?
Hebrews 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire.
The verse from the end of the previous chapter belongs in the same thought as our text. It shows us that we must strive for brotherly love because our God is a consuming fire. 1John 3:14 says, "We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death." Remain in love, resulting in life so that you do not remain in hatred, which results in death. Please, love your brothers. If you do so, understand why you do, so that brotherly love will continue. We love because he first loved us.
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