God Disciplines His Sons

     We wrote of the "faith chapter" - Hebrews 11 - in two blogs a few weeks ago. That is the account of those who believed and by faith considered their citizenship to be in heaven: Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and a number of others, including David and the prophets. 

     On to Hebrews chapter 12. "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.

     "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus (our example of trust, of loyalty to God's will, of prayer, of overcoming, of joy), the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Note: Israelites suffered and died (chap. 11). Jesus (God Incarnate) took his turn. and rose again as Savior of all who trust and obey.

     The author tells his readers they "had not yet resisted (sin) to the point of shedding their blood." And, "they had forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:

     "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.

      "Endure hardship as discipline... If you are not disciplined...then you are illegitimate children... How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Discipline...produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Next: Warning and encouragement