Paul tells the Hebrew that they must clear out everything that hinders them on their journey of faith. He asks them to set their sights on Jesus who will give them strength and courage. Then in Hebrews 12, Paul talks about the discipline of the Lord. Discipline, he explains, is painful at the time but discipline from the Lord will yield righteousness.

Discipline is something all parents and children wrestle with from time to time. It has to be done with love, with an eye toward the future of the child. It involves taking a stand, a responsibility for the child. God took that stand with us so that we may ultimately share in God’s holiness.

We all know the importance of perseverance in all things and this is the lesson Paul tried to teach the Hebrews—that with discipline and perseverance they would reap the promise of God.

Paul wanted the Hebrews to realized that they were not alone in their trials. He knew that they often became discouraged when they felt abandoned and alone. So he taught them to look to Jesus Christ for inspiration and guidance. Just as the Hebrews looked to Jesus, let us as stewards look to Jesus, the good steward.

—George and Linda Howton

• Why does God discipline believers? How does God discipline? Do we at times blame God for what we think is God’s discipline?
• What is the race set before us in Hebrews 12:1? How are we to run this race? What might be good lessons to remember from our training?
• Why is a lesson on commitment good for us from time to time? What does commitment mean to you?
• What lessons about discipline can we learn from this scripture? How can we learn to use theses lessons in our everyday lives?

How Do I Act?

1. List ways discipline has improved your character. Think of those people in your life who have disciplined in love and those who have not. Write down those good ways of disciplining or admonishing.
2. Reflect on what things or ideas keep you from running the race, Meditate on what running the race means in your life. Vision your race and the power you have from God.
3. Share with a friend something good that came from trying times in your life.
4. Reflect on world leaders both then and now who seem to remain focused on the race to be run. How do you think they do that? Pray for them that they may remain focused. Pray that you will also be focused on the race to be run.

Photo by DDP on Unsplash