An Exhortation Which Speaks To Sons

 Hebrews 12:1-6

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (in many cases martyrs), let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us (good to know there is some order to this salvation in Christ Jesus- He sets our race before us!), looking unto Jesus, the author (originator) and finisher (perfecter) of faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God(where all overcomers in Christ Jesus are to be seated {Revelation 3:21}).

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the EXHORTATION WHICH SPEAKS TO YOU AS TO SONS: 'My son, do not despise the chastening (discipline) of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives'."

Not quite the exhortation that healing or His hand of provision would bring but it is my conviction that the man will not become complete in Christ without it. The Lord is teaching us that we should be empowered, strengthened to carry on by His chastening, rebuke and scourging. The saints in Christ mentioned in chapter 11:30-40 are watching and praying for us!

The faith of God in Christ Jesus brings a revelation to us as to how we should respond to others AND our call to serve in His church. All along the way we will encounter opportunity to serve God as opposed to self-direction - to be led by His revealed and living Word or the carnal wisdom of man. Jesus knew what His call was, even as an adolescent informing His mother Mary that "I must be about my Father's business". The Word exhorts us to look to Him - what He was willing to do for us! Consider Him, who endured such hostility from sinners and to forget not this exhortation.

12:7,8  "If you endure chastening (which He is Lord over), God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening (will not be chastened), of which ALL (in Him) have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons". Wow!

12:10,11 "For they (human fathers, probably Israel's religious class) indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward IT YIELDS the peaceable fruits of righteousness to those who have been trained by it".

I pray that, as you read this discussion, you will seek, knock and ask Him to reveal what He knows you need to hear in this matter. We must be willing to partake fully of suffering with Him unto death and burial of self-service so we may rise up IN HIM and walk just as He walked! Remember, He has your race ready to reveal to you.