Week of December 15

“We often learn more of God under the rod that strikes us than under the staff that comforts us” (Stephen Charnock*). This opening statement seems like a depressing and discouraging way to begin a devotional! Nevertheless, there is a vitally important lesson in Hebrews 12 to be learned today about God’s discipline and our endurance. Let’s open our hearts to receive the Lord’s encouragement for us when we experience the hand of His discipline.

Our writer has moved into a section of Hebrews titled, “The Practice of Spiritual Endurance” (10:19-12:29; HCBC). He challenges those believers not to fall prey to the temptation to pull back from their commitment to Christ. The tightly woven argument in chapters 1-12 serves to remind all Christians of the passing nature of the temporal, and calls us to place our hope in the eternal (Hebrews 11:3). The bottom line is that things that can be “shaken” will not last forever (12:28; i.e. “earthly things”). The first recipients of the book were exhorted to show genuine faith by remaining steadfast in following Christ. Their devotion must be evident despite their sufferings. This challenge was a call to stamina! Such a call begs two questions.

The writer has already provided us with a roll call of biblical heroes who served as an incentive to endurance (11:1-40). He added to this motivation the example of Jesus Christ who had already run the race of faith (12:1-29). The pearl of great value in our focal passage rests in the key principle for us to learn today: God allows hardship to develop holiness in His children. Tommy Lea writes, “God will not tolerate a disobedient, self-serving lifestyle” (HCBC). This principle leads me to ask, “How are we to embrace hardship and endure?

We have zeroed in on a key focal verse to guide our thinking about God’s discipline. First, we must have a change in perspective if we expect to endure sufferings. God’s children should view their “misery” or “accidents,” not as suffering, but as discipline (EBC). Our writer is not calling us to a high level of denial; instead, to a deeper level of awareness. God never wastes a moment to teach us in life’s classroom. He must prepare us for our kingdom citizenship.  

Secondly, we must never forget that the Father knows best, and He will discipline His true children (“for whom does his father not discipline”). Therefore, we should trust Him and submit patiently to His work of improvement in our lives. 

Thirdly, we should recognize His hand of love in the discipline and strive to endure (“treating you as sons”). The writer uses a word that means to stand in place. This posture is a basic attitude of all who are righteous. The focus of the person is not on the immediate situation, but on the ultimate end, which is the realization of God’s kingdom. To endure means that we are warmed at the fire of expectant hope, even as we await the return of the Savior.

In an age that decries enduring pain and suffering, let’s examine the moral significance of Christian stamina. Why withstand pain and suffering when an easier way may become available to us? The ancient Greek Stoics, whose name comes from the Stoa Poikile, the “painted porch” that was in an open market in Athens, come to my mind. The Stoics prized endurance (Zeno, c. 300 B.C.E.). Their doctrine of stamina gave one courage to suffer a toothache, for example, in patient silence. Sadly, such an approach to life most often devolves into a “what cannot be cured should be endured” outlook. This philosophical approach is not what Hebrews encourages.

Today, I will offer an extended point of application because this topic of God's discipline and our pain and suffering is at the forefront of contemporary culture. First, Hebrews does not promote a Stoic approach to endurance because the supply source is not found in human reason alone; instead; it is based upon Divine revelation. We serve a Savior who not only knows our weakness but who also provides us with “grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16b). God helps us when we suffer.

Secondly, our lives are not to be lived by human philosophy, but by the theology of the Scriptures. The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to us, so we will benefit by seeking to understand our suffering and trusting Him even when we do not grasp its meaning (cf. Job 42:1-6). We are climbing a different mountain (see 12:22, “Zion”), and have placed our hands into the hand of Christ, our Mediator, who lifts and strengthens us by His Spirit as we strive for the summit (cf. 12:2; “looking to Jesus”; 12-13). Follow the voice of Christ and endure.

1. Self-effort alone will lead to discouragement when we are striving to endure trials. Examine a recent trial in your life, then assess it to see if you endured it by “gritting your teeth and bearing it.” Decide to draw strength for the trial from God’s provision.

2. This Hebrews passage helps all of us, doesn’t it? We have choices about how we react to life’s events. Knowing that God knows, allows, and guides us through every step, gives us comfort. We are not alone. God also promises to help us. Our kids have troubles, too, and they watch us to see how we handle difficulties.

Some homes are full of confident calmness in the storms, while others are frenetic centers of high drama every day. Either way, when our children are going through trials, we can help them by walking alongside, asking the right questions quietly, being sensitive to them, and doing a lot of listening and supporting.

Praying with your kids each day, especially about their “happenings,” keeps you in touch, and lets them know God is there with them too.

May your paths be straight,
Larry C. Ashlock