Dear Others

Text: Hebrews 13:22-25

Theme: People and believers in particular matter most and were the reason Hebrews was written.

Key verses: “I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to pay attention to what I have written in this brief exhortation. I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released from jail. If he comes here soon, I will bring him with me to see you. Greet all your leaders and all the believers there. The believers from Italy send you their greetings” (v. 22-24).

What God said to me: Dwayne, the heart of ministry and therefore the heart of true ministers is people. Programs and logistics and doctrines are all important and necessary as far as they help and impact people. I created you to serve and love me. You serve and love me by also serving and loving others. The entire letter of Hebrews was written as an “exhortation.” Exhortation for whom? –for people, believers in the faith. The author told them to “pay attention to what I have written.” He wanted them to fully understand and follow what he’d written. It was more than cold doctrinal thesis–it would be life to those who read and adhere to it. Notice the writer also got very personal and referred specifically to “our brother Timothy” and the “believers from Italy.” People have names and individual stories and needs. They are not just a group of people–they are individuals made in God’s image. The author wanted “all the believers” and “your leaders” to be greeted. The author ended his letter thinking about believers and focused on helping them. Make sure your ministry is always marked with a distinct emphasis on people and how to help each one I entrust to you to encourage and train.

What I said to God: Thank You, Lord, for all You do and have done for me. You have always treated me as Your child and as an individual You love and lead. Please help NLW never forget that people are the reason we exist and are the focus of our ministry. May we as leaders always take time to pray for specific people by name. Please help us find better ways to keep up with each person, so that “no one is left behind.” Thank You for this important reminder today, and thank You for blessing us with the amazing book of Hebrews.