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Hebrews Chapter 12 (ESV)

¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

³ Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. ⁴ In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.⁵ And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. ⁶ For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

⁷ It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? ⁸ If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. ⁹ Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? ¹⁰ For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. ¹¹ For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

REFLECTION:

1. Chapter at a Glance: Jesus and the cloud of witnesses urge us to wrestle against sin. We are to view hardship as God’s discipline of dearly loved sons and strengthen our resolve to live holy lives. We are to pursue peace and holiness. And we are not to despise God’s kingdom.
2. Here the author asks us to view hardship and suffering as discipline. God has not abandoned Christ’s followers. God is simply treating them as any wise father treats dearly loved children. This may seem strange, but this perspective makes any hardship we face so much easier. We no longer cringe away and wonder what we’ve done that God should punish us. Instead we reach up in our pain convinced that even our suffering is an expression of the love of God.
3. How might God use the “hardship” to discipline (train) you? Sit quietly for a while and see what God brings to mind.  How might you cooperate better with God in this training?  Take time to listen.
4. Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.  Take some time to confess and repent before the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

PRAYER:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.

HYMN:

Grace – youtu.be/51LGsPMKeAE