Hebrews 13:20-21--Being Equipped

“Now the God of peace .  . .  equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight” Hebrews 13:20-21 (NASB)

 

This reading reading highlights another important part of vocation—where we get what we need to do the works God created us for. 

We get it from God; He “equip[s]” us, He works “in us[.]” We see that in the Greek words that underly this passage. To “equip” is to fit out, to furnish  what is needed.   The word translated as “in” refers to entering into or mingling in.  Those concepts involve things coming in from the outside. We also see that in other scriptures. Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us that God is the source of our abilities. Philippians 2:13 similarly teaches that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purposes.”  We can only do the great things God created us for through God empowering us.

So how to we access that empowerment? The text of this reading, and several of the other readings, provide guidance.

One important way is by seeking to do God’s work in all aspects of our lives.  Hebrews 13:21 tells us God that equips us for “every good thing.” Colossians 3:23  similarly tells us to serve in “[w]hatever you do.”  We are not confine service to particular areas of our lives, but instead to seek to deliver His goodness in all that we do: in our family lives, our secular vocations, our social interactions, as well as through dedicated acts of service (like those described here). 

Another way is by actively and diligently serving God. Hebrews 13:21 speaks of us “do[ing] his will” and God “working in us.” The Greek word that is translated as both “do” and “working” describes action; it means to do, execute, perform, to be doing. That call to active service lines up with what we saw in Matthew 25:14-30; service requires action. That Greek word also describes laboring, making real effort once we get started. That is consistent with what we see in Romans 5:3-5: how we must persevere in the face of the difficulties we will inevitably encounter while serving God.  

Yet another way is by seeking God’s specific directions. Hebrews 13:21 refers to work that “is pleasing in His sight.” That strongly implies that we ask what God wants done and the ways He wants it done; we are much more likely to please Him if we seek His guidance. As James 1:5 tells us, we should ask God for wisdom about the specifics of what He wants from us.

Prayer

        Lord, thank you for the privilege of working with you, of being your co-workers. Please help us to actively, diligently, access what you provide to serve you in all areas of our lives, and to seek your wisdom as we do that. We ask that in the name of Jesus, who did that perfectly.