Hebrews 12 - 8.19.22

Scripture - What stood out?

Hebrews 12:11-13

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Observation - What does it say?

The author continues to encourage the Jewish believers of Jesus that their faith in Jesus must remain steadfast, to battle against wrong teaching and sin, comparing this struggle to God’s loving discipline for our lives. “…Submit to the Father of spirits and live!”

Understanding - What does it mean?

With all the damage I have done to myself personally, Lord, I took that encouragement literally. There are numerous bible commentators who believe that You were telling us to firm up our spines, to stand up a little bit taller – for (those who do not know you yet) are watching us and it is for them we must stay strong! Reading these words were exactly what I needed to hear Lord. It is so easy for me to get distracted by looking at everything but the eyewitness testimony provided to us in these books. Thank you Holy Spirit for pointing out these life giving words to me. I had been looking towards that terrible ‘woe is me’ path (I’m quite familiar with that path, Lord). And I absolutely needed to be told today that my eyes need to stay focused on the true prize:

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

 Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?

Thank you my Lord Jesus. I needed to hear these words today. I needed to hear them. Thank you Holy Spirit for highlighting this verse to me! I choose to strengthen my feeble and weak arms today both figuratively and literally. Today, Lord, as I go about my day restoring my body into good health I will remind myself once more of Who I am a representative of. Who I keep my eyes fixated on. For while I run this race looking towards you, there are those who look on still unsure of where to go. Grant me strength today Lord. In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.

-kenneth lee