It is a magnificent book, this Epistle to the Hebrews, and great and wonderful are the things it unfolds for us and in language suited to their greatness. And the climax is surely reached when the writer exults in the assembled glories to which we are now brought in contrast to all that had gone before. Says he: —
"But ye are come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel" (chap. 12:22-24).
Surely after this something heroic and altogether out of the common would be expected of us. Could those whose associations and dignity are so exalted settle down to ordinary affairs of life? Well, let us see. "Let brotherly love continue." That is simple enough, describing as it does the everyday intercourse of the family of God. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers." There is nothing spectacular about that. It means, be kind and hospitable, and not wrapt up in yourselves. "Remember them that are in bonds … and them which suffer adversity." That requires not extraordinary powers, but tender, compassionate hearts and sympathies that can flow freely to others. "Marriage is honourable in all." That simply means, enter into and carry out the God-ordained relationships of life in the fear of God. "Let your conversations be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have." In this home life be content; don't allow the restless grasping spirit of the world to have a place there; and that will be easily possible If a day-by-day confidence in God upholds us.
It is a very simple life, but it is the life that God loves, for He has said, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE"' delights to dwell with the lowly, and with those who are simply obedient to His word; and if He is with us we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do to me." So that the spiritual wealth with which God has blest us must not make us fanatical dreamers; not must the hatred of men, for they will hate those who are faithful to Christ, make us fearful. Our business is to be undisturbed, but with steadiness and steadfastness fulfil these duties in life honourably and for God's honour.