So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God...
For a while now I've wanted to have the time and diligence to learn the letter to the Hebrews off by heart. This 58th book of the Bible is one of the most intriguing bits of literature around. Jewish, jam-packed with grand claims, colourful imagery, reinterpretations of ancient rituals, a philosophy of history, insight into the whirlwind of divine love that is the Trinity and neat domestic touches, it always sets me a-tingling to hear it. (It can be viewed in many translations and other languages here.)
And what better motto for a Christian? No earthly city can make final claims upon us disciples of Christ Jesus, so let us seek the city that is to come.
Unpacking that and running with it will, I pray, be what my life is all about. And I hope to explore this city with foundations - mostly thinking great men's thoughts after them, I expect - as this blog trundles on...
