- [00:00:00] A month or so ago, during the winter season with all its common illnesses, I caught a very bad cold. One night, I had a severely stuffy nose and could barely sleep. I reached into our medicine cabinet to take a nasal decongestant. Before taking it, I checked the expiry date, and to my surprise, it had already expired. Not wanting to go out in the middle of the night to get a new one, I decided to try it anyway. - [00:00:39] After all, it was just a nasal decongestant. I tried it, but guess what? It did not work. There’s a reason why medications have expiry dates—they lose their effectiveness over time, even if they are lifesaving drugs. All medications expire. Today, however, we’re going to reflect on a covenant made by God that never expires, a covenant that always has the power to heal all aspects of our lives at all times. - [00:01:22] The book of Hebrews, from which the passage read today is taken, was written to believers who were under pressure. They were tempted to give up, drift away, or return to what felt safe. The author’s message is clear, especially in the central verse of the book, Hebrews 13:20, which says, “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will.” - [00:02:05] This verse is the climax of the entire letter. The book of Hebrews ends with a beautiful promise, embedded in a prayer, reminding suffering believers that the blood of Christ has no expiry date. They have been redeemed by an eternal covenant, purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ himself, which is powerful, precious, and active for all eternity. The author encourages believers not to abandon Christ. - [00:02:50] Throughout Hebrews, the author has been emphasizing the superiority of Christ: Christ as the superior Son, the final priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the eternal King. Holding fast to Him is not a loss but a gain. When suffering or failure comes, believers often feel isolated, but this passage assures us that God does not leave His people alone. - [00:03:41] The covenant of redemption, which we studied last week, showed us what happened before time began in eternity—how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit covenanted to redeem us even before we were born. Here, we look at the eternal covenant that happened in time to seal and accomplish what was promised before time. God does not abandon His people in pain and suffering. - [00:04:22] This passage reveals three things God gives to suffering believers: First, the messengers of the eternal covenant; second, the God of the eternal covenant, presenting the Trinitarian God; and third, the people of the eternal covenant. - [00:05:02] First, the messengers. The author begins with a passionate plea for prayer, saying in verse 18, “Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you sooner.” God has given the church shepherds to lead His people, helping them understand the eternal covenant and draw near to Christ. - [00:05:48] These shepherds are not just gifted teachers but people with godly character. The author reminds believers three times in this chapter to remember their leaders. Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.” - [00:06:27] The author prays for the leaders because he is separated from the churches and desires to be restored to them soon. The churches addressed were new and struggling to appreciate or submit to their leaders, sometimes listening instead to false teachers. The writer asks for prayers so their leaders can lead cheerfully and point people to Christ. - [00:07:11] So, may I ask you, dear friends: Are you thankful for the leaders God has placed in your life? Do you consider their lives worthy of imitation? Do you honor them? Do you teach your children to honor pastors, Bible study leaders, elders, and deacons? God gives every church leaders to teach and equip His people. - [00:07:52] In contrast, false teachers were active even then, undermining the character of the shepherds. Some attracted crowds through online media, but their character and fruit in life were questionable. You don’t do life with those leaders—they are not your shepherds. False teachers point people to themselves, not to God. - [00:08:26] Apostle Paul also faced challenges to his leadership and character because undermining the character of leaders can undermine their message. But God gives shepherds to lead to Christ. How do you distinguish good shepherds from false ones? Good shepherds lead people to Christ; false shepherds exalt themselves. - [00:09:12] The author prays for prayers because he desires to be with the people. Understanding and experiencing God’s eternal covenant happens not only through teaching but by doing life together—being present in ups and downs. Shepherding cannot happen fully online or digitally. That’s one reason why some churches stopped online streaming after COVID—because life together in person is essential. - [00:09:52] Pray for your leaders—Bible study leaders, deacons, elders, and pastors. We all need your prayers, in personal and family prayer. Our role is to point you to Christ and His eternal covenant. - [00:10:26] Next, the passage gives a glimpse into the God of the eternal covenant and the involvement of the Trinity. Verse 20 reads, “Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good, that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” - [00:11:05] Last week, we saw that the entire Trinity was involved in the covenant of redemption planned before eternity. Here, the Trinity is again active in the eternal covenant, the new covenant being actualized in time to fulfill the eternal promise. - [00:11:51] God is a covenantal God who fulfills His promises no matter how long it takes. The passage beautifully describes all three persons of the Trinity. First, God the Father is called “God of peace,” a unique description. Why is God described as the God of peace? In Genesis, after the fall of Adam and Eve, God could have given up on humanity, but He didn’t. - [00:12:36] Because of sin, we enter this world as enemies of God, with rebellious hearts. We often think God is against us. Yet, God seeks to restore peace with us, even though it costs Him greatly. How? By sending Jesus to take all our sins on the cross and satisfy divine justice. - [00:13:19] God did not leave Jesus dead and buried but raised Him from the dead, showing He accepts what Jesus accomplished to bring us back to Himself—to establish peace. This is the God of peace. - [00:14:08] Jesus vividly illustrates this through the parable of the prodigal son. Despite the father’s love, we run away, seeking independence and pleasure. Yet, when the son returns, the father is waiting with open arms. We are all prodigals, treating God as an enemy sometimes. But God takes the first step to restore peace. - [00:14:50] This act models how we should restore peace with others—in marriage, family, friendships, and workplace. The world desperately needs peace—peace in homes and society. With wars and hatred everywhere, peace must begin in our homes, modeling the God of peace. - [00:15:35] God did not withhold His Son but gave Him up for us. If He raised Jesus from the dead, how much more does He love us? God wants us to have peace with Him always, so we can share that peace with others. Every time we fail, we can run into His arms. - [00:16:20] No sin is too great for His forgiveness because of Jesus’ final and sufficient sacrifice on the cross and resurrection. Don’t let Satan accuse you with your failures. Remember, God is the God of peace who has done everything through Christ. - [00:17:01] Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” What a privilege! That is the role God the Father plays in this eternal covenant that never expires. - [00:17:45] Next, the passage describes Jesus as “the great shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant.” The readers were mostly Jewish and familiar with the Old Testament. Hebrews is filled with Old Testament references fulfilled in Christ. - [00:18:25] This description connects to Isaiah 63:1, where Moses is remembered as the shepherd who led the Israelites out of slavery through the Red Sea. Moses shepherded them out of pain and suffering, despite their grumbling and fear. - [00:19:23] But Jesus is greater than Moses. Moses used his rod to save people; Jesus uses His own blood to save us from sin, suffering, death, and misery. He is the ultimate high priest and the Lamb who was slain. - [00:20:03] The old covenant, represented by Moses, was temporary and incomplete. Many Israelites did not enter the promised land due to their unbelief. The new covenant Jesus established by His blood is eternal and effective for all time. - [00:20:31] Hebrews 8:8-10 speaks about this new covenant: God will place His laws in the minds and hearts of His people, and they will be His people forever. This covenant does not expire when we fail but lasts eternally. - [00:21:15] What God promised before time began, He has now accomplished in time to be valid forever. He is our covenantal God. Jesus’ blood cleanses us from all sin. His resurrection removes fear of death, hell, pain, loneliness, and suffering. - [00:21:53] The resurrection power is available to transform us into Christ’s likeness. The whole Trinity works in establishing this eternal covenant in our lives, so none of us will be lost. - [00:22:21] The Holy Spirit equips us with everything good to do God’s will. The Spirit works in us to do what pleases God through our union with Jesus Christ. - [00:23:05] Some may think that because God made a covenant with us, we can live however we want. But that is not true. The Spirit equips us with gifts and strength to live holy, purposeful lives. - [00:23:46] For example, Pastor Ruiz, an 82-year-old preacher, still serves faithfully despite health challenges. This perseverance is not by human strength but by God’s power. We are called to serve with joy using the gifts God has given us. - [00:25:09] We are called to do God’s will in all areas of life—work, marriage, parenting—and to serve those in need. This is the God of the eternal covenant. - [00:26:34] Lastly, the author addresses the people of the eternal covenant, asking believers to “bear with my word of exhortation,” meaning listen urgently to preaching. The word exhortation here refers to preaching. - [00:27:52] The author encourages attending worship services reverently, treating the Lord’s Day as spiritual oxygen. Without this, we tend to drift away. Sabbath rest is designed for our soul to slow down and remember we are saved by Christ’s work. - [00:28:41] In our culture, especially in places like the Bay Area, there is a hustle that never rests, with constant pressure to improve skills and careers. But Sunday is meant to be a day of rest and trust in God’s provision. - [00:29:53] I plead with you not in a legalistic way, but for your good: learn to say no to the hustle and trust God to provide. Spend Sunday with family and friends, discussing the sermon and refreshing your soul. This helps fight anxiety, loneliness, and suffering. - [00:31:41] Secondly, community is vital. The author mentions Timothy and the leaders and saints in Italy, highlighting the importance of fellowship to endure suffering. We need community; we can’t persevere alone. - [00:32:50] I am grateful for this church family’s genuine love and care. This reflects the God of peace and the covenantal bond we share. - [00:33:29] So, pray for your leaders who point you to Christ, not themselves. Don’t give up in suffering. Persevere, knowing you are covered by Christ’s blood, which secured the eternal covenant guaranteeing our presence with God forever. - [00:34:09] The word “covenant” may be unfamiliar, unlike contracts that expire. Our jobs, health, and strength may fail, but the blood of the eternal covenant never expires. - [00:34:50] The same God who raised Jesus from the dead is at peace with you, working in you, never abandoning you. When suffering presses in, when sin weighs heavy, when faith feels fragile, you are held not by your strength but by Christ’s finished work. - [00:35:18] You are shepherded by Jesus, the great gentle shepherd, sustained by the Spirit, and secured by the love of the heavenly Father. Long after human strength fails, God’s grace remains with you. Amen.