Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp,

.... bearing His reproach. 14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased (Hebrews 13:13-16). In this final chapter of this difficult book, the author (some say Paul, others not) puts forth a mixture of admonitions, and doctrinal truths. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (verse 2).  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (verse 8). The exhortation in verse 13 follows a reference to the bodies animal sacrifices being burned outside the gate of Jerusalem (the camp), and that Jesus Himself was sacrificed there. Commentators interpret verse 13 to mean et's no longer seek salvation within Jewish ritual sacrifices, but rather in Christ, and to be untroubled by the reproach that that brings.

The reproach, disapproval and persecution of Christians is a common theme in Scripture. We are to take up our cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). Jesus is not asking us to do anything He Himself has not done,  only more so. We are strangers and pilgrims here on the earth (11:13),  and we have no continuing city here (i.e. Jerusalem verse 14).  The city we seek is the new Jerusalem (Revelation 3:12; 21:2).  It is there that Jesus has gone before us to prepare a place (John 14:2).  In light of His sacrifice and His provision in eternity, it is surly a small thing that we should (the “therefore” of verse 15) “by Him  continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God.”

The response of praise and thanksgiving in the light of reproach, or of joy in the midst of trials (James 1:2) is here regarded as sacrifice (verse 15).  Certainly such sacrifices are neither easy, nor natural. They are however, some of the things with which God is well pleased (verse 16).  Such a response is a testimony to the World of the realty of the substance of our faith (11:1).  Such testing, and it is testing,  is there to refines us.  Concerning this Job cries out “But He knows the way that I take.  And when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).  It is the process of being transformed into His image from glory to glory, as we allow the trials to draw us close to Him. It is part of the fellowship of His sufferings (2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:10).  But this is not the only thing that pleases God. We can be so heavenly minded,  that we are no earthly good! Our faith needs to have a practical side which, is also regarded as sacrificial. This practical side includes to “not forget to do good and to share” (verse 16).

Father, a lot of doing good and sharing seems like a sacrifice at first, but they bring joy when we do them with the right heart.  And part of maturing as Christians Lord,  is our being conformed to the image of Jesus who “for the joy that was set before Him pushed through the pain, despising the reproach and shame of the cross (12:2). We are called to endure suffering joyfully,  and I thank You this morning Lord that with these and other such sacrifices you are well pleased. In Jesus Name Amen