Read: Hebrews 12
The writer of Hebrews is concerned the believers will give up.
Following Jesus hasn’t been easy for them and he knew he couldn’t give a
promise of “it’ll be okay”. We are often too quick to soothe those in difficult
situations instead of building them up with courage. This author didn’t make
that mistake! He showed them how even the difficult things they encountered
were actually evidences of God’s love.
He speaks to them of discipline. Discipline, he says, is painful in
the moment, and none of us enjoys it. The discipline is for our own good
because it shows us we are truly children of God. He says we must endure the
discipline because it will make us more like Christ; we’ll grow to be holy like
He is holy. The discipline is a training ground. We will get good at living in
holiness because of it!
Verse 12 could be summed up as exercise. Lift your arms! Strengthen
your knees! Make straight paths! Get strong! Living the Christian life is not
for the spiritual couch potato, but for the disciplined. This is encouragement
for those who are weak to get going. The writer does not mince words! He makes
it as plain as day that this is going to be hard work, but the prize will be to
see the Lord.
Verse 25 is a stern warning. “See that you do not refuse him who is
speaking.” When Moses was God’s mouthpiece,
telling the people what God said, they still disobeyed God. They had seen with
their eyes that Moses had been with God, yet they disobeyed. Now, however, God
speaks to us directly through His Spirit. This firm warning must be taken
seriously. We run a serious risk when we discount the voice of God in our
lives. We must learn to live with our ears tuned to God’s voice because the
other option is to face His fire and fury.
This is, at the same time, something to
be thankful for. Because God does speak to us, we can walk in holiness; we can
live in peace; we can withstand the pain of discipline. Every warning this
writer gives us comes with evidence of God’s love. He disciplines us because he
loves us. He wants us to exercise our faith and grow strong so we can be
healed. He wants us to hear His voice and obey so we will not be destroyed by
his devouring fire. This is love.
Journaling and Prayer
1.
Ask the Lord if any difficulty you are going through right now is
discipline from Him to grow you in holiness. If it is, thank Him for treating
you as His very own dear child. If not, ask Him to grow in you a willingness to
be disciplined by Him.
2.
Ask God what kind of spiritual exercise you need to do to continue to
grow and get stronger in your faith. Ask Him to speak to you about these
spiritual disciplines or exercises:
a.
Solitude & Silence
b.
Fasting
c.
Submission
d.
Bible Reading
e.
Worship
f.
Prayer
g.
Meditation
h.
Service
i.
Fellowship
3.
Thank the Lord for being a God who speaks to His people. Spend some time
now listening to Him. Ask Him one or more of these questions:
a.
What do you want to say to me today?
b.
How can I bless you today Jesus?
c.
A question of your own.
