Hebrews, Day 5 Readings

Jesus' Example for Christian Faith & Worship  

Today's first reading provides the description of practical Christian faith in Hebrews.  It is especially rooted in the concept of suffering and sacrifice.  Christians are likely to face persecution and worse, as Jesus himself did.  The essence of faith is to persevere despite such challenges, accepting hostility from people who are not faithful.  These hardships, though, can have a positive purpose too -- they allow God to discipline and guide people into better behavior (just as a parent might correct a child's behavior through punishment).

Read Hebrews 12:1-29  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading is is the conclusion of Hebrews.  It returns to the parallel visions of the Temple and Jesus by encouraging Christians to understand how they should worship.  Instead of bringing blood sacrifices to the Temple, Christians are to share love and hospitality.  They are to uphold the teachings of Jesus, and they are to offer praise to God in Jesus' name.

Read Hebrews 13:1-25  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Hebrews 12-13 today.