For many reasons and in many circumstances, anger is present; evil is actively crouching at the door of the human soul (Gen 4:7). Even the people who rarely find themselves getting angry, are facing the temptation to lose the righteous battle for love and self-control. Yet, the Lord has told us we must subdue that which is unrighteous and be its master; otherwise, it will master us (Gen 4:7). In the midst of hostility, we do get weary in doing what is righteous, don’t we? (Gal 6:9).
In our passage today, the writer of Hebrews wants us to know even in the midst of hostility and feelings of rejection, God is present and lovingly using these things to transform us. So, let’s look at two words in our passage this morning that are commonly misunderstood: discipline and punishment. Now, most of the time we use human images and perspectives [e.g. as parents, children, bosses, employees, law enforcement, etc] to be our guide for understanding these two words, but we really need to press in for discernment in the wisdom of God. Human thinking will fail us.
It is by faith, we belong to the Lord and are learning to live under his authority. Our heavenly Father actually has perfect love for us and knows how to get our attention. It would be a sin to see ourselves other than sons and daughters of God following Christ for the purpose of being made in his holy image. So, if life brings discipline or punishment, it is for our good to move us toward righteousness and his glory (Ro 8:28).
God disciplines his children. The Hebrew root of the word ‘discipline’ translates instruction or training in obedience. God disciplines his disciples by helping us learn holiness. Jesus guides us by his humble example and submission to the Father. The work of the Holy Spirit bears witness to the Truth of the Word in our spirits and helps us to subdue all unrighteousness that seeks to master our souls. We can never be separated from the love of God, so let’s not forget we are being faithfully guided toward the narrow and righteous Door leading to eternal Life. Therefore, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Ro 8:37).
God also punishes his children. The Hebrew root of the word ‘punishment’ translates attending to. We receive equal consequences for our righteous or unrighteous attitudes and actions. We learn by the consequences we face. When we sin against God or others, God attends to it by letting us face the consequences of our unrighteous action. When we choose righteous actions, God attends to it by welcoming us to experience his blessing and glorious presence.
Judgement will come in the future, when those who have chosen to live in unrighteousness and death will be held accountable for their actions—the ones whose names are not written in the Book of Life (Rev 20:13). But, for those who call upon the name of the Lord and live in the Life Christ provides, we are assured of a heavenly home in the glory of God. Oh, the JOY that floods my soul at the thought!
Hebrews 12:3-13 NLT
3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words [proverbs] God spoke to you as his children? He said,
“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t give up when he corrects you.
6
For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the discipline you lovingly bring to our lives. As your sons and daughters, we know you want to teach us the Truth about your holy nature, so we will leave our sinful one behind. Thank you for your patience when you must punish us for selfish living. We were not born again to remain selfish; love does not demand its own way. So, we ask for your holy presence to protect us as you continue to form us in the loving image of your Son; the Righteous One. In Jesus’ name. Amen.