Daily Devotions
Hebrews
"May the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead..."
Text: Hebrews 13:20b
THE GOD OF PEACE
The pronouncement of a benediction involves invoking the name of God! In the Hebrews benediction the Lord is addressed as “The God of peace” (Hebrews 13:20a). This is a most interesting choice of words. This is a masterful way of connecting the God of Abraham and the God of all who trust in Jesus as Saviour!
1. The God of Peace (Old Testament)
a) He is the Giver of perfect peace (Individual) {Cf. Isaiah 26:3}
b) He gives peace in the land (national) {Cf. Psalm 147:14a}
c) The blessing of peace is to be desired (Israel) {Cf. Psalm 125:5c}
2. The God of Peace (New Testament)
a) Peace with God (Our standing with God)
i) A result of justification by faith (Cf. Romans 5:1)
ii) A result of redemption through Christ (Cf. Romans 5:1)
iii) A result of reconciliation (Cf. Romans 5:10-11)
iv) A removal of the wrath of God (Cf. Romans 5:9)
v) A removal of condemnation (Cf. Romans 8:1)
b) Personal peace
i) A blessing from God (“grace and peace” Cf. Ephesians 1:2)
ii) A blessing resulting from prayer (Cf. Philippians 4:6-9)
THE GOD OF PEACE AND JESUS
The writer of Hebrews now links this God of Peace as the One who raised Jesus from the dead. The relationship between the God of Abraham and the Lord Jesus Christ was carefully and firmly established in the Book of Hebrews. It should not surprise us that this benediction should include a statement of this profound relationship between them. To the writer of Hebrews, it is unthinkable to pronounce a New Testament benediction without significant reference to “our Lord Jesus Christ”!