Friday Follow-up Verses
Hebrews 12:1-12
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
God Disciplines His Children
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.
Footnotes:
[a] Hebrews 12:6 Prov. 3:11,12 (see Septuagint)
Pondering Point
We have hit this topic multiple times the past two weeks: letting the life of Jesus serve to inspire you. Turn your thoughts upon Jesus when you experience difficult days and find yourself growing weary and tired. Consider asking Jesus in prayer for strength. He prayed for strength. When you sense opposition, remember that God is already on your side. With God on your side does it matter what men seek to do?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, remind us that you will work all things to our good as Your people. Let that comfort us in times of struggle so that we do not grow weary and lose heart. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
The truth is you can be happy right here, right now, “through Christ who strengthens me,” meaning, through investing your resources in an ongoing relational connection to Jesus. You can live a rich and satisfying life whether you are rich or poor, single or married, infertile or counting the days until your four kids are out of the house, crushing it at your dream job or at a minimum wage J.O.B. Right now you have everything you need to live a happy, content life; you have access to the Father. To his loving attention. Who would have thought it's that easy of a yoke?
~ J.M. Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, pp. 216, 217