Episode 1211
What Does It Mean to Be Equipped by the God of Peace? A Benediction Worth Hearing | Hebrews 13:20-21
The salient point of this podcast episode revolves around the profound concept of the God of Peace, as articulated in the reading from Hebrews. We explore the significance of God being characterized not by judgment or wrath, but by a divine disposition towards peace and wholeness. This perspective challenges the prevalent notions many hold of a punitive deity, instead emphasizing God's fundamental nature as one of love and support amidst life's struggles. Additionally, we contemplate the assurance that God equips each individual with the necessary resources to fulfill their purpose, regardless of their perceived shortcomings. Ultimately, we encourage listeners to actively participate in the practice of blessing others, fostering an environment of encouragement and support in a world often fraught with negativity.
Takeaways:
- The episode emphasizes the concept of the God of Peace, contrasting it with traditional notions of a punitive deity.
- We are encouraged to recognize that we are already equipped with everything necessary to fulfill our purpose in life.
- The message advocates for the importance of blessing others, promoting a culture of encouragement and positivity.
- The podcast highlights that God's deepest nature is one of love and wholeness, rather than judgment or disappointment.
- Listeners are reminded that their current struggles do not disqualify them from being used by God.
- The episode concludes with a prayer, reinforcing the themes of love, peace, and mutual support within the community.
Links referenced in this episode:
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.
You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".
Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.
Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
Transcript
Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lesson selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:The reading is understandable.
Speaker A:I use the message version relatable.
Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker A:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgodddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: lionaires a million people by: Speaker A:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker A:Here's today's reading.
Speaker B: Reading today from Hebrews: Speaker B:We have no doubts about what we're doing or why, but it's hard going and we need your prayers.
Speaker B:All we care about is living well before God.
Speaker B:Pray that we may be together soon.
Speaker B:May God who puts all things together, make all things whole, who makes a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus, the sacrifice of blood that sealed the entire the internal covenant, who led Jesus, our great shepherd, up and alive from the dead.
Speaker B:Now put you together, provide you with everything you need to please him, make us into what gives him the most pleasure.
Speaker B:And by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah, all glory to Jesus forever and always.
Speaker B:Oh yes, yes, yes.
Speaker B:What a way to conclude that reading of scripture.
Speaker B:Yes, yes, yes.
Speaker B:So let's get into this beautiful passage of scripture and unpack it with a couple of points to ponder.
Speaker B:The first point to ponder is this.
Speaker B:The God of Peace.
Speaker B:This is how the writer chose to name God.
Speaker B:Notice how the writer opens this benediction.
Speaker B:A closing time.
Speaker B:Not the God of judgment, not the God of wrath, not the God of rules, the God of Peace.
Speaker B:That's a theological choice.
Speaker B:And it's a really important one.
Speaker B:Because after 13 chapters of DEEP, dense, sometimes hard teaching about Jesus on the covenant and faith, when the writer of this book finally lands the plane and this is the name he reaches for, the God of peace.
Speaker B:A progressive reading of this text takes that naming seriously.
Speaker B:Because, let's be honest, so many people have been handed a version of God that feels nothing like peace.
Speaker B:A God who's always disappointed in them.
Speaker B:A God who's keeping score is what they get.
Speaker B:A God who's one wrong move away from Striking you down.
Speaker B:If that's the God you've been carrying around, I want you to hear this Hebrews passage loud and clear today.
Speaker B:It's not the God who gets the last word, the God who raised Jesus from the dead, the God who conquered death itself is named peace.
Speaker B:Not because there isn't struggle in the world.
Speaker B:There is, but because God's deepest.
Speaker B:But because God's deepest nature, God's truest posture toward you is shalom.
Speaker B:That is peace, wholeness, wellness, peace.
Speaker B:That isn't the absence of trouble, but the presence of love in the middle of it.
Speaker B:I sometimes think about the folks who go through cancer as I relate to in my cancer and comedy podcast.
Speaker B:When they get that diagnosis and they're walking through the treatment process, you don't need a God who's mad at you.
Speaker B:You need a God of peace.
Speaker B:And that's exactly what it says here in Hebrews.
Speaker B:That's the God of Hebrews who shows up here.
Speaker B:Point to ponder number two.
Speaker B:Equip you with everything good that is, you have everything you need, my friend.
Speaker B:Here's a phrase I want you to hold on to.
Speaker B:Equip you with every good for doing his will.
Speaker B:Equip everything good.
Speaker B:Not someday, not once you've completed your course, not once you got your act together, not once you've completed this spiritual to do list.
Speaker B:The benediction that is the closing speaks in the present.
Speaker B:God is already equipping you right now, in the middle of whatever you're walking through right now.
Speaker B:And this flies in the face of so much religious messaging that we've absorbed in our lives, the idea that we have to become more, achieve more, fix more, before God can use us.
Speaker B:But Hebrews says no.
Speaker B:The same God who raised Jesus is the God who's equipping you.
Speaker B:Your unfinishedness isn't a disqualification.
Speaker B:It's the raw material that God is working with.
Speaker B:And then, notice here, the goal isn't performance, it's what is pleasing to him, which is, if you follow this thread through the whole Bible, it's pretty simple.
Speaker B:For instance, in Micah 6, 8, it says, do justice, love mercy, walk humbly.
Speaker B:That's it.
Speaker B:That's all we're talking about here.
Speaker B:That's the will you're being equipped for, not a complicated religious obstacle course.
Speaker B:A life of love.
Speaker B:I love how this benediction assumes the best in us.
Speaker B:It trusts that God is already at work.
Speaker B:It trusts that the peace we need, the equipment we need, the strength we need, it's been given to us already.
Speaker B:It's not earned given.
Speaker B:So if you feel you're under qualified for your life today, for whatever you're facing, for whatever role you're in, listen to this book, this passage from Hebrews.
Speaker B:You're already equipped.
Speaker B:The God of peace is already at work within you.
Speaker B:Here's your action step.
Speaker B:Just one thing today, speak a blessing over somebody else.
Speaker B:Just one person.
Speaker B:Pick them out.
Speaker B:Maybe it's out loud, maybe it's to them, to them personally.
Speaker B:Maybe it's in a text message, maybe it's a Facebook post, maybe it's just a quiet prayer.
Speaker B:But name them.
Speaker B:Name God's peace over them by name.
Speaker B:Say something like May the God of peace equip you.
Speaker B:Put their name with everything good today.
Speaker B:We live in a world that's a.
Speaker B:That's quick to curse people, to quick to criticize, quick to tear down.
Speaker B:But once you be the person who blesses, who builds somebody up, who encourages, that's countercultural holy work.
Speaker B:And it costs you nothing but a moment of intention.
Speaker B:We're going to come back and have a prayer.
Speaker B:Before we do, just a quick reminder.
Speaker B:We have a resource for you to help you with your at home Bible study.
Speaker B:It's called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Method.
Speaker B:Please head over to our website voiceofgoddaily.com it's there for you there.
Speaker B:Let's pray.
Speaker B:God of peace, remind me that I'm already equipped, already loved, already yours.
Speaker B:Help me bless someone else today with the same grace you've given me.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker A:The daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker A: on years, a million people by: Speaker A:I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any, any amount.
Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
