[:en]SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 12
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter 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” (Hebrews 12:2)
“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” (Hebrews 12:5-6)
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14)
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28)
As the Christians there were undergoing trials, Paul encouraged them with these advices:
- Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sins that so easily entangles (v. 1-a)
- Let us run with perseverance the race mark out for us (v. 1-b)
- Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (v. 2)
Since the believers were spiritual babes, God had to put them through trials so that they could become mature Christians. Their suffering was not punishment but discipline. The word “discipline” means child training. It is a proof of love for the betterment of the child.
As an earthly father will discipline his child, our heavenly father will also discipline His true sons. Discipline is unpleasant and painful but it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (v. 11)
MORE EXHORTATIONS:
- Live in peace with all men (v. 14)
- Do not miss the grace of God (v. 15)
- Do not be sexually immoral or godless (v. 16)
Contrast between Mt. Sinai (Old Covenant) and Mt. Zion (New Covenant)
- The law was given to Moses at Mt. Sinai with the message of punishment. The law is given to us through Christ with the message of Love and Forgiveness.
- The sight of Mt. Sinai was of fear and terror with fire and smoke, darkness and groom. Mt. Zion has thousands of angels in joyful assembly.
- Mt. Sinai is earthly Jerusalem which will be destroyed. Mt. Zion is the heavenly Jerusalem of living God that endures forever.
- The Old Covenant of Mt. Sinai had earthly priest and earthly sacrifice of animals. The New Covenant of Mt. Zion has Christ serving as High Priest, the mediator between God and man. His blood was offered as a sacrifice.
LESSON:
As we are running our race, let us get rid of the weights of sins. Let us keep our eyes on Christ alone, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. When the race gets difficult, let us consider our suffering a proof of God’s love. Let us respond with submission and endure it by faith. God’s discipline is for our profit so that we may share His holiness. Our submission shall bring glory to His name. Let us serve God with reverence and awe and listen to His Word.[:]