Hebrews

This is a mysterious book, in that scholars do not know who wrote it or to whom.  It seems to be written to a group familiar with the Jewish religion. The importance of sacrifice, of the temple itself and the role of the priests all are background for this document where Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of Judaism.  Jesus is the sacrifice. Jesus is the intermediary with God. Jesus is the high priest. Old Testament references abound as each argument is made.

An interesting note that Marcus Borg (Evolution of the Word) includes in his introduction to Hebrews, is that the whole idea of Jesus being a necessary sacrifice was not articulated, let alone common, until 1098 when it was brought forth by St. Anselm. So often we struggle with how, exactly, Jesus saves.  So we read this book and come up with the idea of Jesus as  the "once for all" sacrifice needed in order for God to be able to forgive our sins. Borg says this is a relatively modern construct.  Jesus loved God so much he gave his whole life (not just his death) as a gift, as a part of his passion for God and God's will - not because he had to in order to satisfy some cosmic requirement.  It's a little mind blowing to try to figure this out.  The point, according to Borg, is the radical assertion that, through Jesus - all that separates us from God is taken away.  We don't need temples.  We don't need sacrifice.  We don't need a human high priest to go into the Holy of Holies. God is with us. "The 'new covenant' is written in minds and hearts, not in a list of requirements.  It is about 'knowing God,' who remembers sins no more" (p281). With this view of the purpose of the book, we get a new look at the message of Hebrews.

My first impression of Hebrews is that it seems more of a lecture, or maybe sermon, than a letter.  The English translation, at least, seems more formal in its presentation of its message.  There seems to be a careful proving of each point: Jesus is above all - above angels, above Moses.  Jesus is the son of God, the Great High Priest, the mediator between God & humankind.  Through him we can achieve the rest that God has promised.as well as the mercy, grace, and help we need (4:16)  We need to trust, to persevere, to keep the faith as did the old testament heroes ( side note - I do find it interesting that it is Rahab, a foreign prostitute that is the only female held up as a hero of faith in this passage - 11:31). The writer then reminds us that these people of our faith history are witnesses that challenge us to stay true. He (?) then exhorts us to pursue peace & holiness, not to reject God's Grace and to serve God through mutual love & hospitality. The presentation then concludes with a benediction.  The only part that seems letter like is the very end (13:22-25) which contains greetings. That section doesn't feel, to me, like it really fits.

Form and structure aside, this document has a lot to say.  While I don't feel the need for old Testament proof of Jesus' transcendence over angels, nor do I resonate with the image of Jesus as High Priest, the whole idea of Jesus having come and given his whole life to break down the barriers between God and humankind is huge. So often we pay lip service to this, but then seem to insist that people worship in a certain way, maybe even in a certain place, so that they can be "true" Christians. Jesus has torn the curtain dividing us from God so each of us can see God in our own, unique way.  God is so great, so amazing, so superior to our experience that there is no way any one of us can grasp all that is true about God, so we disagree - but may all be right to some extent, because we can only see a part of who God is. This is also why we need to learn from one another: Mennonites grasp the need for community. Salvation Army members grasp the call for service to the outcast. Quakers grasp the need for listening for God's word. Pentecostals seem to grasp the joy of exuberant worship. Other congregations grasp the power of prayer. Even within each denomination there are variations - but God is so great, each of our concepts is only a part of who our wonderful God truly is. But God also cares enough to speak to each person, care for each person, love each person and so can become real to each person, even if not all that any given congregation says makes sense to that person.

The reminder of the number, even if only a few are listed by name, of people who have managed to stay faithful is a challenge for me to have faith, even when I don't see the results. We have not only the Old Testament heroes, but also a large number of people who have lived and died since Hebrews was written.  These people provide us with examples of how to live in faith even when prayers do not seem to be answered. This is hard for me. Growing up there was a trend to make your prayer lists then mark off when prayers were answered so you would have your own proof of God answering prayer - but some things never went from the "ask" column to the "answered" column.  Even now, as I watch loved ones struggle with health issues, job issues, social issues, I wonder why God is not answering our prayers for their assistance.  Is God listening? But God spoke to Job and told him that it was not his to understand why things went the way they did - so I try to let go and rely on the assurance that God knows the right thing to do.  But it is hard.  I want answers and I want answers now.  And I want the answer (yes) that I asked for.  I do not want people I care about  (or anyone else, I guess - but especially those important to me) to suffer. Hebrews 11 & 12 still has a lot to teach me. I will try to remember the exhortation from Hebrews 12:12&13: "..lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed."

There is much more in this book/letter/sermon. It is definitely worth reading and a closer study.  Right now, however, I think I will focus on that part - having faith, lifting my drooping hands in prayer and, I hope, eventually seeing those I care about "healed".  May God's grace be with all of us.