Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

I wonder at times how I or others are expected to endure hardship and celebrate suffering? We are called to not just suppress it and pretend it does not impact us. We are called to thrive in it and shine the light of Christ all the brighter in the hard times. Great, but how is that really possible?

The writer of Hebrews has just discussed the faith of the Christian forefathers and martyrs who have gone before them in chapter 11, then enduring hardship and suffering as discipline from God in chapter 12. And as we live, we are supposed to be focused on pursuing Christ, sharing the gospel, and making disciples. We are to throw off all other things that hinder us on our mission.

In this passage he first talks about the reverence and honor due God and how we should be thankful and praise his name. Then he gives three commands: 1) Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters, 2) Show hospitality to strangers, and 3) Remember those in chains for their faith.

It is like the author is elevating himself and us into the heavenly realms to understand our eternal calling in Christ. Then he brings us back down to earth with practical commands on our conduct. He calls us to be heavenly and kind like Jesus to each other.

I have found over the past few years, the only way for me to be like Christ, is to meet Christ in the heavenly realms first. Then Jesus can transform my mind and cleanse my heart. When I then consider my earthly callings, I can fulfill them with heavenly grace and love. Keep on loving, even when it seems to drag on, or it is hard, or life gets difficult. Be hospitable to strangers. Sure there is risk and unknown, but this leads to a bigger heart for the lost. And remember, pray for, and encourage those in prison for their faith.

Lord, thank you for allowing me to meet you in the heavenly realms so I can be full of your love and compassion. Then I can come out of prayer and into this world with a heart after your own heart. May I love well, with endurance.