November 16

Through Us and In Us

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 123:1-4 | Ezekiel 33:1-34:31 | Hebrews 13:1-25 | Proverbs 27:21-22

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 13:1-25

Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV) May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, [21] equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

As the letter comes to an end, the writer of Hebrews gives a blessing. He first blesses them by asking that God would provide everything they need to do the work he has called them to do– everything they need for doing his will.

What tasks has God given you to do today? Do you believe that God will give you everything you need to do his will in all that he calls you to do today? He is always there to provide everything we need if we rely on him for it: the strength, the initiative, the follow through, the gifting, the wisdom, the love, the joy, the resources.

But the blessing goes further, it is not just a blessing for God to give us everything we need to work “through us,” it is also a blessing for him to work “in us.” “And may he work in us what is pleasing to him.” There are areas in each of our lives that require God’s ongoing work of transformation.

The blessing for God to work “through us” and the blessing for God to work “in us” are not isolated blessings. Most of that which will enable us to do his will and work through us, will be provided by the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit “in us”. As he changes us from the inside out, he prepares us for each and everything thing he intends to accomplish “through us.”

May God work “in you” today to equip you for everything he intends to accomplish “through you” today. Amen.