Reading Through The New Testament - November 1st, 2016 - Hebrews 13 - Outsiders

Good Morning Bible Readers! Thanks for taking a moment in joining me in Hebrews 13.

Here’s what jumped out to me while reading the chapter:

Hebrews 13:11-15The Message (MSG)

10-12 The altar from which God gives us the gift of himself is not for exploitation by insiders who grab and loot. In the old system, the animals are killed and the bodies disposed of outside the camp. The blood is then brought inside to the altar as a sacrifice for sin. It’s the same with Jesus. He was crucified outside the city gates—that is where he poured out the sacrificial blood that was brought to God’s altar to cleanse his people.

13-15 So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This “insider world” is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come. Let’s take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus’ name.

In the last part of the letter of Hebrews the author leaves the church with a lot of reminders and I would sum up this command to this: be an outsider for Jesus.

I was reminded that we need to be willing to be outsiders. When we gather together, take a look around, maybe sit with someone who’s an “outsider” to you. Join them, hold their hand in prayer, and take the time to get to know them.

It’s easier and more comfortable to be surrounded by “insiders”, those that we feel most comfortable with.

Why should we be outsiders? Well, as the author of Hebrews reminds us, Jesus was an outsider. He was killed on the outskirts for not fitting the mold.

So, again, would you try this with me? Look for where the outsiders are and go there in Jesus name.

Sit and eat lunch there.

Forsake your usual seat at church.

Sit with the person asking for change and talk with them for a minute.