From Hebrews 11-13

Suffering is never pleasant. But it helps knowing that behind it is a caring father, who stands with us and is using it so we may share in his holiness.

This post is part of my bible in a year series.

Passage and Comments

I’ve always found this passage encouraging. I thought I would share it with you today. The author has been speaking about the suffering and persecution the audience has been experiencing. He wants to encourage them.

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.” (Heb 12.3-6)

The author starts describing that they have not been alone in suffering. Christ suffered as well. And he suffered to the point of shedding his blood. The second point takes my interest because he describes the special relationship all believers have with the Lord. They are his children.

The author introduces notion that the suffering they are experiencing is not pointless. It is discipline. It is for their good.

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 land 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. (Heb 12.7-11)

Suffering is never pleasant. But it helps knowing that behind it is a caring father, who stands with us and is using it so we may share in his holiness.

For Believers

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. (Heb 12.12-13)

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