Each morning when I arise from sleep, I sit on the edge of my bed, put my feet on the floor, and whisper a breath prayer that goes like this: “Lord, thank you for waking me up this morning.” I can’t remember who said it or when, but it has stuck with me. Waking up to experience life each day is a gift. And I want to “think” God and thank God at the outset of my day. 

 

This passage from Hebrews reminds me of the God to whom I pray. God is in essence Shalom, peace. God is not chaos but calms our hearts with eternal peace. We have peace because the blood of Jesus covers our sins. When we confess before bedtime, we rest with peace. Jesus the Shepherd makes us to lie down and rest; helps us to hear the stillness of the waters; and grants shalom to our souls. The God of peace grants peace to those who seek it. 

 

There are two ways I read verse 21. First, that God will provide everything (GK-pas) that we need to serve others. God provides (see Genesis 22:14, “The Lord Will Provide”). And second, that the word “equip” inherently implies that God “completes us” or “makes us whole” through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Thus we are able to do that which is pleasing to God and bring glory to the Son. And nothing pleases God more than being neighbor to the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40). --Pastor Bob