Deo

Deo in this context is not what you think it is.  Rather, in a biblical context, deo is a Greek term.  Deo appears in Matthew 16:19, used by Jesus after Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ.  The term deo means to fasten or tie as with a chain or cord.

Deo can also be used in the context of law, referring to legally or contractually binding two parties.  Deo in this sense brings up the idea of authority.  Jesus is introducing the disciples to spiritual authority in Matthew 16.  Jesus wants to makes sure that his own disciples aren’t under the chains of another party, mainly the devil.

While not directly, the author of Hebrews is indirectly referring to the term deo.  In life, especially as people get busy, we all have a tendency to allow things to build up and accumulate.  Hebrews 12:1 is calling believers to unfasten those distractions, people or sins that are holding us captive.  Jesus alludes to this at the end of chapter 16, verses 23-27.  If we allow our own minds to be fastened to the world, we become a stumbling block to God.  Therefore, during this Memorial Day we should practice the words of Romans 12:1-2, renewing our minds, fastening ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ.