Daily Writing

Monday, 15 April 2019

Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? Hebrews 12:9

The word “Furthermore” is given to extend the thought of what has already been presented. The author has brought in the subject of being chastened by God, and this has been equated to the chastening of a human father. In both, the child is being treated as a son, not an illegitimate.

But more than that, when our human fathers corrected us, did we turn around and say, “You had no right to do that?” Unless the person is utterly depraved, such would not be the case. Instead, he would learn the intended lesson and pay respect to the parent. Otherwise, the correction will not only be repeated, but it will certainly be intensified. Only a dolt would not quickly learn this and submit to the rule and instruction of his father.

With that understanding, the author rhetorically asks, “Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?”

Here the word mallon is used. It is a common word used throughout the New Testament. Paul used it in Romans 5 four times. It involves a prioritization or ranking of matters in order to elevate what is better over what is simply good. It was good that our human fathers corrected us, but that was accomplished in the sphere of a family unit comprised of fallen beings who are prone to all kinds of error. Correction may have come to the wrong child. It may not have actually been needed over a matter, and yet it was given out. The correction may have been more, or less, than what was appropriate. It may have been carried out in anger. And so on.

However, in God, the correction is precisely handed out in a perfect manner according to the situation. There is no error in what occurs, and it is exactly what is needed for us to stop and consider our need for coming closer to Him, not further drawing away Him. The only fallible part of the equation will be our response to what occurs, not to how He has handled His part of the matter.

But if we are wise, we will consider that what happened between each of us and our earthy father should be even more precisely handled when the correction comes from our heavenly Father. His is the sphere of the Creator, the One who breathed life into man, who has ordained all things in perfection, and who sustains all things with perfect control. When we consider our lives, and the events which occur in them – as given to us by God – we should be all the more in “subjection to the Father of spirits.”

His sphere is as the One which handles all spirits with the eternal perspective in mind. As we are destined to an eternal walk in His presence, our submission to Him brings, as the author says, life. To “live” isn’t merely speaking of salvation. It is speaking of the here and now. Our lives are true lives when they are lived in accord with the will of the Father. God desires that we live out that true life now, and to allow it to be an anticipatory stepping stone to the life which lies yet ahead.

Life application: A father who properly disciplines his child is respected. Not only out of fear (at the time of punishment), but out of love and appreciation later. Anyone who remembers discipline, which was handed out for real mistakes, learned that it came because of love and a desire to direct to what is proper. The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about discipline and it doesn’t shy away from it. Unlike modern day thinking, corporal punishment is recommended for children who misbehave –

“He who spares his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” Proverbs 13:24

&

“Do not withhold correction from a child,
For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.
¹⁴ You shall beat him with a rod,
And deliver his soul from hell.” Proverbs 23:13, 14

Rather than being inappropriate, it is correct to discipline our children. The type of punishment needs to meet the level of misdeed. And when it does, respect – not fear – is the result. In addition to respect we gain a proper moral compass which will last us throughout our lives. Likewise, when the Lord disciplines us, it is for our growth. Rather than being upset and accusing God for our displeasure, we need to thank Him for the loving instruction He’s providing us. Remember these things and when trials or troubles come, thank Him for them. He is revealing His great love for you.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Bible’s lessons on discipline! There have been times when we have not understood all the difficulties we have faced. And even now, when we face hardship help us to know that it is molding us into Your glorious image. Because of this, give us the patience and the heart to accept it as faithful children – obedient even as our Lord Jesus was. Amen.

Sunday, 14 April 2019

But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Hebrews 12:8

The author now turns to a set reason for the Father’s chastening. In this, He says, “But.” This is to contrast what was just said –

“If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? ⁸ But…”

With the contrast firmly set, he then says, “if you are without chastening.” In essence –

If you endure chastening, X is to be understood.
But if you are without chastening, Y is to be understood.

With this understood, the author continues with, “of which all have become partakers.” The words, “of which,” are speaking of the chastening. In not receiving such correction, the author makes it understood that “you are illegitimate and not sons.”

To be overlooked in correction when correction is due, is how a person would treat an illegitimate son. Such a child has been abandoned by his father, and he is living outside of his care, correction, and upbringing. He goes unrecognized by the father. And this is how those who are not in Christ are treated. If bad things come their way, they cannot say that it is God’s chastening for correction. It is simply time and circumstance, or it might be God’s judgment, but it is not a corrective measure. Until a person comes to God through Christ, they are not considered in the family of God.

Life application: After the previous verse where it says, “God deals with you as with sons,” when you are disciplined, the writer today uses common logic. If your father doesn’t discipline you, then you’re an illegitimate child.

Saturday, 13 April 2019

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? Hebrews 12:7

The author has cited the Proverbs in order to establish the fact that believers can, and should, expect discipline simply because they are loved as children. Now, as an encouragement for that time when it comes, he says, “If you endure chastening.” In this, he is mentally preparing his audience concerning a logical reason why the discipline is forthcoming, and how to consider it when it does, in fact, come.

There are two ways of considering the word “endure” here. The first would be, “If you persevere through chastening.” The sense would be “to bear up under correction.” The second would be “If you receive chastening.” The sense would be “for the reason of correction.” The latter is correct. The purpose of chastening here is for God’s discipline.

As this is so, the author then confirms that in such discipline, “God deals with you as with sons.” In that is found the tie in with the words of the Proverbs. The very fact that discipline has come is because God looks at those who are His as His own children. This is confirmed several times in Paul’s writings, such as, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26).

As those who are in Christ are considered sons, the discipline they receive should be considered a mark of love, not an act of wrath. This is certain, because he finishes with, “for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?”

It is an obvious truth that when a father loves his child, he will discipline him for good. It is true, a perverse man will arbitrarily mistreat his children, but that is not under consideration here. The Lord is as a Father to his children, a perfect Father. Thus, His children should be grateful for times of discipline. Of course, it may not be a happy event while it is occurring, but it is a sign of the Lord’s care of those He loves to so chasten them. The author will continue with this line of thought, summing it up in verse 11. He is letting believers know, in advance, that they can take comfort in being corrected.

Life application: For the past couple of verses, the Lord’s discipline upon his sons has been mentioned. The question then is, “How can we tell the difference between His discipline and something else?” It is a valid question and not directly addressed here or elsewhere. For this reason, the author, in essence, says to “endure hardship as discipline…” Got it? Whatever trials you face, whatever hardships, whatever seems to be robbing you of joy – consider it discipline. The exact same things may be common to all people. The difference then is that our hardships are meant to refine us as children of God. This same concept is addressed by James, the Lord’s brother –

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4

Thus, our trials indicate that “God is treating you as sons.” These develop perseverance and that in turn leads to becoming a complete and mature Christian.

Understandably, many faithful Christians – maybe even you – are going through almost insurmountable trials. You may have a wayward child, financial difficulties, a spouse who is unfaithful, or even a combination of these. Rather than following what would seem logical and crying out, “Why me Lord?” you can try to find the Lord’s hand, even in these things.

Although the trial remains, understanding that this is developing your character may help you to keep it in proper perspective. And don’t carry the burden alone. Talk to God as your Father and cast your cares on Him – for He cares for you.

Sovereign Lord, you have determined the time, place, and situation in which we find ourselves. You know even the most intimate and difficult trials we face. Thank You for them if they will but bring You honor and develop us as Your children. In Jesus’ name we pray because it is in Jesus that we have become Your children. Amen.

Friday, 12 April 2019

For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”Hebrews 12:6

Here we have the continuation of the thought which started in the preceding verse. In verse 12:6, the author cited Proverbs 3:11. Now, he cites Proverbs 3:12 –

“For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”

The verse doesn’t give any qualifiers, but rather simply says, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens.” Therefore, it can be taken as a given that this is a truth which is applied to all true believers. This doesn’t mean an arbitrary punishment or one that was not deserved. Rather, it is a fatherly correction of wrongdoing in order to lead those He loves – meaning those who are in Christ and beloved of the Father – to a right walk before Him.

What is implied is that every person who is in Christ is still not perfected, but is prone to error. No believer can say they have attained a state of sinless perfection in this life. As we are not sinless, when we err, the Lord will chasten us because He loves us. The stress is on the fact that the Lord truly loves us, and so He chastens. Further, the author says, “And scourges every son whom He receives.”

The Greek word for “scourge” speaks of flogging a person who is strapped to a pole. It is a punishment that literally draws blood. This choice of wording is surely given as a connection to verse 4, which said, “You have not yet resisted to bloodshed.” Though this may be the case, the Lord will figuratively draw blood in His correction of His children. This is because such severe pain will be in the best interests of His children. That which is eternal is seen by God, and it is that which He is concerned about. As it says, this scourging is intended for those “whom He receives.”

The word used here indicates to receive with personal interest. God is looking for the best result in those whom He brings this type of discipline to. He has a personal interest in receiving us in the most readied and developed state possible. Every one of us will receive our chastening differently, based on the desired outcome, but each person can expect such a chastening.

Life application: If you are under the hand of the Lord’s discipline, it may seem counterintuitive, but you should actually rejoice. There is an immense difference between the Lord’s discipline and the Lord’s wrath. As saved believers, we will never face the Lord’s wrath. However, as we turn from Him we can surely expect His discipline. And the reason is because He loves us. In fact, He disciplines us not as a wayward student, or a straying employee, but as one of His own children.

The theme of being God’s child through adoption permeates the New Testament and confirms that we once were just the opposite. As Paul says in Ephesians 2:3 we “were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” As hard as it may be for people to accept, man without Jesus is at enmity with God. There are only two possible relationships with Him – either you are a child of wrath, or you are a child of God’s love and affection. Take this to heart and be thankful when you face the Lord’s discipline. John jubilantly exclaims –

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1

To be chastised by God is to be His legitimate child and accepted as a son. Truly, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us! Hallelujah and Amen!

Thank You, Lord, for the times of discipline! Even though they may seem painful at the moment, surely they demonstrate Your great love for us because You are correcting us as children, not punishing us as enemies. Thank You for the bonds of family which can never separate us from Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Thursday, 11 April 2019

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; Hebrews 12:5

Along with the books of Moses, the Hebrew audience would have been rather familiar with the Psalms and the Proverbs. In this verse, the author rebukes his audience by saying, “And you have forgotten that word of encouragement…” He then goes on to quote Proverbs 3:11 –

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction.”

Here, the words are rendered, “And you have forgotten this word of encouragement.” Some translations render it as a question, “And have you completely forgotten…?” Either way, the idea is that they have let it escape their memory that the Lord is, in fact, with them – even in times of trial. In the previous verse, he said, “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.”

The intent of his words, then, is that in their struggle against sin, the Lord may send discipline; but it is meant as a means of tender reminder and of correction, not condemnation. This is seen with the words, “as a father addresses his son.”

When a father corrects his son, it is a correction for his good, and which is intended to bring out positive effects in him. It is true that not all fathers are good fathers, but this is a general statement. If the model for a father is to correct a son positively, then we can expect that the Lord, who is the Father par excellence, will always do so in a positive way when dealing with His own children.

The proverb itself begins with, “My son.” This was Solomon speaking as a father to his own son, or as Solomon as the head of the people of the land speaking to all in a broad way. Either way, it is an example of how they should perceive the treatment they receive. Thus, it is ultimately a truth which can be applied to how the Lord treats his sons. This is why the author explains it as such in verse 12:7.

Therefore, because of this, the proverb continues with, “do not despise the chastening of the Lord.” The word translated as “despise” means to treat something lightly. It is found only here in Scripture, and it gives the sense of holding that thing in low esteem.

Rather than this, when such a time comes, instead of despising it, we should demonstrate wisdom and say, “I am the one who deserves this, and I am the one who needs to learn from it.” In such, there will be an acceptance of the Lord’s hand of correction. As it says, “do not detest His correction.”

The word “detest” means “to grow weary,” or even “faint.” Instead of growing weary of the Lord’s hand of correction, we are to be encouraged and reinvigorated by it. It is as if we are to take the Lord’s correction as if He is saying, “That’s the wrong way. Try again… you can do it!” Each seemingly unhappy occurrence is actually a chance to push us forward in a positive way, knowing that He is doing these things for our own good.

Life application: Interestingly, the Lord (Jesus) is equated with God in the author’s current train of thought and yet back in verse 12:2 he said that Jesus “sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” As noted then, the right hand does not mean a different physical location. Rather, it indicates the position of authority. The math is pretty easy here – 1) Jesus carries all the authority of God; 2) the Lord (Jehovah as is evidenced from the Proverb) is called God; therefore, 3) Jesus is Jehovah God.

This isn’t an unusual pattern that could somehow be misconstrued. Rather, it has been the common practice of the author throughout the book of Hebrews. It is a pattern we have encountered numerous times already. When you call on Jesus, you are now God’s son through adoption, hence this verse here is applicable to all believers.

If the world is beating you up, take time to think on this. God loves you as His precious child. Though you may be disciplined, He will never take His love or His favor from you. Keep this in mind and know that He has a good plan and purpose set aside just for you.

Lord, it is often hard for us to think of ourselves as Your children. Things often seem harder than we can bear. But Your word says that because of our faith in Christ Jesus, we are, in fact, Your children. Be with us and help us through the difficulties we face. And we will remember to give You the praise and worship You deserve. Hear our hearts, and lead us according to Your wisdom. Amen.