4-20-07 Hebrews 13:20, 21

Hebrews 13:20, 21 (NRSV)
Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20, 21 (Philips)
Now the God of peace, who brought back from the dead that great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the everlasting agreement, equip you thoroughly for the doing of his will! May he effect in us everything that pleases him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord God is Jehovah Shalom, the God of peace. His peace gives us tranquility, harmony, security, safety, prosperity, and joy. We would have no peace if He had not brought His Son back from the dead. We would still be dead in our trespasses and sins, if our Lord, Master, Savior, and Messiah had not been brought back to a higher place.

He is the great Shepherd of the sheep. He is pre-eminent in rank, virtue, authority, and power. He cares, for His sheep, watching for any enemies who try to attack. He defends them, heals them and looks for them if they are lost. He loves them and shares His life with them. And they trust Him; because through the violence of sinful men, He shed His blood to establish a covenant that has no end. This covenant was established between the Father and the Son to redeem those same sinful men and to give them new lives--lives not given over to violence!

Once you too were a sinful man, but Yeshua, Jesus, our Shepherd, has changed your life. He desires to perfect you in everything. He wants to mend what was broken in your life; He wishes to make you complete, making you what you ought to be. He equips you and prepares you to accomplish what He has purposed for you to do, those good things that will bless others. He wants to make you and your life a celebration. When He looks at you, He is well pleased. You are acceptable to Him and He desires to prosper you in all things. So give Him the glory, honor, and praise He deserves. He is your King and His majesty is exalted forever. Amen!