Daily Writing

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.

Wednesday, 10 April 2019

You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. Hebrews 12:4

In the Greek, there is an article which comes before the word sin. Young’s translates it as, “Not yet unto blood did ye resist — with the sin striving.” In other words, “sin” is personified here by the author. With this in mind, the verse can be properly evaluated.

The author begins with, “You have not yet resisted to bloodshed.” The words are plain and obvious. Others had resisted, even to the point of bloodshed. This includes, in particular, the example of Christ – who is the main Subject of what has been said in the past two verses. However, the reference in verse 1 which speaks of “so great a cloud of witnesses” refers to those in Chapter 11. The author is telling his audience that to this point, they had not faced such a trial as would lead them to bloodshed. From there, he says, “striving against [the] sin.”

These words follow the same pattern as those found in 1 Corinthians 9. There, Paul records a race that turns into a form of combat –

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-26

Here in Hebrews 12:2, the author speaks of “the race that is set before us.” He now turns to “striving against [the] sin.” It is another good hint that Paul is the author of both epistles.

The question is, “What is the author referring to?” Most commentators would say that this is speaking about resisting others during persecution, even to the point of shedding blood. But what do others have to do with “the sin.” Unless someone is forcing a person to choose to deny the faith, under the pain of punishment or death, it is unlikely talking about general persecution.

Sin, especially when personified, is something that an individual wars against internally. It is true that the previous verse said that Christ “endured such hostility from sinners against Himself,” but the true war that was being waged was against violating the Law of Moses – God’s standard for Israel – in order to prevail over the Law.

He was constantly faced with such challenges, even to the night before the cross where He shed His blood in sweat like great drops of blood. This torturous battle continued on before Israel’s leaders, King Herod, and Pilate. But He endured through each event. He shed His blood in His own agony, and His blood was shed by others who attempted to make Him sin against the law and against His heavenly Father.

In the race set before us, we are admonished to fix our eyes on Jesus who first went through these things, demonstrating that one can prevail over “the sin,” even if it necessitates the shedding of blood. Our ordeals in facing this foe may seem great, but Christ met him and prevailed over him.

Life application: The author was originally writing to first century Jewish believers who were considering returning to temple worship, most likely for security and safety from persecution. This persecution was certainly increasing as the Jewish believers and non-believers began to become more and more distinct.

The entire book of Hebrews is written to demonstrate the “greater than” nature of Christ in His many roles – Prophet, Priest, King, Lawgiver, etc. By turning back to temple worship, they would be moving from a greater to a lesser. In addition to this, the author reminded them that it is “not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” Yes, there is a still struggle with sin, but he makes it perfectly clear that all sin is completely atoned for by Christ Jesus’ sacrifice, whereas the temple sacrifices were temporary and passing away.

In their daily lives and “striving against [the] sin,” they hadn’t faced such great trails that they had “yet” shed their blood. By saying this, he was comparing them with Jesus who had. He faced opposition and eventually the cross, and He became the great example for each believer to follow – even to the point of death. Remember, all of this follows on the heels of Chapter 11 which noted the faith and perseverance of past believers. Prior to that in Chapter 10, the recipients were reminded of their own faithfulness in their earlier years.

As is evident, the author is masterfully preparing them for the long haul by looking back to the past. By doing so, he is giving them the much-needed confidence they would need for the increasingly hard road which lay ahead. In the end, the imperative to fix our eyes on Jesus still stands today. If we can remember those simple words, all else will always find its proper place.

Lord, it is our honest desire to follow You no matter what lies ahead. Thank You for the logical, orderly, and uplifting way in which Your word builds us up in the ability to accomplish this. Let us never lose sight of that which is most important – following Jesus’ example no matter what the cost. Amen.

Tuesday, 9 April 2019

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:3

The word “For” is given to explain why he exhorted the reader to fix his gaze upon Jesus. He had said that Christ “endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” With that now understood, the author says, “For consider Him.” This is still speaking of Jesus, the subject of what continues to be stated.

We are being encouraged to carefully reflect on the example Christ has provided because (as will be noted in the verses ahead) any one of us is bound to face his own trial in the future. In reflecting on what Christ faced, we can be more fully prepared to handle the challenges that come our own way. Understanding this, he says that it is He “who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself.”

The world was, and is, at enmity with Christ because He brings it under conviction of sin. In His perfection, the sin of others is highlighted. This inevitably brought about hostility from sinners. Albert Barnes notes that at the time of Christ’s coming, the Jews “opposed his plans, perverted his sayings, and ridiculed his claims.”

There was great enmity towards Him, and attacks against Him were common, even to the point of attempting to execute Him in one way or another. It seems that at every turn someone was waiting in the wings to try to either trip Him up, or they were watching to see Him make the slightest mistake in regard to either the Law of Moses or their own additions to it. Despite this constant barrage of attacks, He stayed the course set before Him, not deviating from the Father’s will. It is this example which the author uses in order to say to his audience, “lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”

The Greek reads, “that you may not be wearied in your souls – being faint” (YLT). The idea is that in emulating Christ’s example, the believer will be able to endure any such similar attempt to hush him up, trip him up, or redirect him from the proper course of obedience to the Lord. Just as Christ went even to the cross of Calvary to do the Father’s will, so we should look at whatever comes our way as just a step on the road to glory. No matter how difficult or disagreeable the trial may be, it is one that our Leader has already been on. Instead of becoming weary and discouraged, we are to be renewed in the strength of the Lord and encouraged to continue on.

Life application: The author is reminding us of a fundamental truth of Christianity. We are not hated because we are violent, or because we destroy the unborn, or because we blow ourselves and others up, or because we are somehow intolerant. Rather, we are hated because we bring the truth concerning the fallen state of man to a world that doesn’t want to accept it.

People want to believe that they are in good in and of themselves and, that because of their own righteousness, they are in tight with God. They trust that all the wrong they have done will simply be forgotten because of a few good deeds that they have accomplished in between the innumerable sins of a lifetime. It is hard to face up to the fact that we are really sinful beings, and so the world simply attempts to deny this truth. It is so much easier to live in denial and pray to something – anything – other than an infinitely holy Creator.

This verse reminds us of this so that we won’t grow weary, lose heart, and become ineffective in our Christian life. If Jesus received opposition even leading to death, we really should expect no more. If we live a life without this, how wonderful that is. But if we face persecution, torture, or even death, we need to simply accept that Jesus walked that path before us.

Thank you, Lord, for reminding us that not everything in our Christian walk will be fun and prosperity, but rather we should expect hardships, opposition, and trials. Give us the ability to endure whatever comes our way that You alone may be glorified. Amen.

Monday, 8 April 2019

…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our 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. Hebrews 12:2

The author now turns to my particular favorite set of words in Scripture by saying, “looking unto Jesus.” The word “looking” is from the compound Greek word aphoraó. It is seen only here and in Philippians 2:23, and it signifies, “looking away from all else to fix one’s gaze upon.” It is for this reason, many translations include the word “fix” in one form or another, such as, “simply fixing our gaze upon Jesus” (Weymouth New Testament).

There is a purposeful looking away from all other things in order to direct one’s complete and full attention on… JESUS. With such a gaze, there is nothing else which can fill our eyes, and thus our hearts, minds, affections, and desires. To look unto Jesus is to be consumed with Jesus to the exclusion of all else. May it ever be so in our lives!

With this thought in mind, he then describes this wonderful JESUS in order to explain why such a gaze is proper. It is because He is “the author and finisher of our faith.” Vincent’s Word Studies notes that this choice of translation “is misleading, and narrows the scope of the passage.” The word “author” comes from the Greek archégos. This signifies the first of a long procession. It is “a file-leader who pioneers the way for many others to follow.” It is then a pioneer leader, or a founding leader. The word is widely translated as “founder,” “pioneer,” “source,” “leader,” and so on.

The Greek word translated as, “finisher,” is found only here. It is a noun derived from a verb which signifies to bring to an end or to complete. Thus, He is the “Perfecter,” “Completer,” or “Finisher” of faith. The NKJV inserts the word “our” in the verse, but this brings in a false sense of the meaning. There is actually a definite article before “faith,” and so it can rightly be translated as simply “faith,” or – more precisely – as “the faith.” As Vincent’s Word Studies notes – “Not our Christian faith, but faith absolutely, as exhibited in the whole range of believers from Abel to Christ.”

With this understood, the author continues with, “who for the joy that was set before Him.” This is speaking of the exaltation that was His to possess upon the completion of His work. It is referred to quite a few times in the Bible, and it is revealed in both Testaments. Paul refers to it in Philippians 2 –

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

This is the “joy” that was set before Jesus, and for which He willingly “endured the cross.” Again, referring to the same thought, Paul spoke of this as well in Philippians 2 –

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

In Paul’s words of Philippians 2:8, there is no article in front of “cross.” It says, “even cross death.” The utterly shameful nature of the death is brought forth in Paul’s choice of words. It shows the enormity of the level of obedience and humility which Christ endured for us. Thus, the author here refers to the “shame” of the cross. Christ was willing to endure this because there was also joy set before Him.

The connection between the first clause and this is not to be missed –

– looking unto Jesus
– who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross

Those who trust in Christ are to look to the JOY set before us, meaning Christ, just as Christ looked to the joy set before Him. No matter what comes forth in our lives, and no matter how shameful it may appear, the PRIZE of Christ is to consume our vision. In this, we will be able to laugh at the minimal, temporary, and inconsequential shame of the present. This, just as Jesus did concerning the cross. It was there, waiting for Him, but in looking beyond that moment, He was “despising the shame.”

Christ looked at what would occur there on the cross with scorn and contempt. Because of the glory which is assigned to the cross today, it is hard for us to grasp what is being said. We look to the cross as the highest fulfillment of God’s love for us, and as a badge of honor to be cherished and boasted over (see Galatians 6:14), but the cross was an instrument of death which was a sign of great shame at the time.

To be crucified was something that would bring a sense of horror upon those who were connected to it. Mothers of the crucified would bear the shame, friends of the crucified would not speak of what occurred, those who did the crucifying would revel at their ability to so humiliate another human. But Christ despised this, knowing that something far greater was ahead of him. And so after the cross and the humiliation, He “has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

To “sit down” is to be in a state of repose. Christ accomplished His work, even the work which was deemed to be a shame by the people who crucified Him, but that very work completed His mission of fulfilling the Law of Moses. In fulfillment of the law, a New Covenant was initiated in His blood.

To sit “at the right hand of the throne of God” signifies the position of power and authority. It is not a lesser position, as if God has actual hands and Christ is sitting by one of them. Instead, it is the position of God’s complete and absolute power and authority. This was spoken of by Jesus Himself in Matthew 28 –

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

The word, “name,” Jesus used there is in the singular. The three – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – are one essence. Christ is at the right hand of the throne of God, possessing all of the royalty, authority, power, dignity, and force of the Godhead.

Life application: The almighty and infinitely wise Creator of the universe stepped into the continuum of time and space in the Person of Jesus. He alone has bridged the gap, provided atonement, redeemed lost man, and restored felicity between God and Adam’s fallen race. He is the focal point of our worship and the light in our lives. He wrote our faith and He will bring it to perfection. He looked forward to His day of triumph and joy, knowing that the cross with all of its shame and agony lay ahead…and He scorned it!

What is shame? What is agony? What is worth the humiliation of His accusers? The answer is as astounding as it is simple… God loves you so infinitely much that, before He created a single grain of sand, He determined that Jesus would go to the cross and bear the punishment for sin which each of us deserves.

No cost was too high to pay the ransom. No pain was too great to right our wrongs. No disgrace was too shameful to cover our nakedness. And so Christ Jesus endured this for you. And when His mission was complete, He ascended again to the Father with all authority and all power granted to Him.

This is the same authority He possessed from eternity past and which He set aside in order to destroy the work of the devil. The tabernacle of Moses had no chairs because the priests’ work was never done. But Jesus Christ, our true High Priest, finished the work His Father sent Him to accomplish. And when He did so… He sat down.

His work is complete and never needs to be repeated. Jesus Christ’s atonement is all-sufficient for the salvation of the human soul. Think today on the majesty of God and His great love for you – expressed in the Person and work of JESUS our Lord; God’s Messiah.

Heavenly Father, it is right that we ask as David did, “What is man that you are mindful of him?” Of what value are we, even lost in our sins, that You would send Your precious Son, Jesus, to buy us back from this state of death? How terrible was the cost, and yet, how glorious was the work accomplished there! All praise, glory, honor, and power – they are Yours alone. Amen.