Hebrews (written)

Saturday, 20 April 2019

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14

The author has just finished the thought of having oneself strengthened in body, and set in their paths in order to meet a set purpose. That purpose was noted as being tied into the race set before us which was recorded in verse 12:1. On that race, and with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the believer is admonished to “Pursue peace will all people.”

This thought is explained elsewhere in the epistles, such as Romans 14 –

“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Romans 14:19

Paul repeats and builds on that in 2 Timothy 2:22 as well. In this, the word “people” is inserted. It simply says, “Pursue peace with all.” In this, it is obvious that it is speaking not merely of persecutors, nor merely of those in the church who may be forming rival factions, but of all people in all contexts. For persecutors, it is to be as a witness to them. For believers, it is to be one of harmony within the body leading to contentment without strife. From there, the author says, “and holiness.”

The word signifies “the process of making or becoming holy, set apart, sanctification, holiness, consecration” (Strong’s). Some translations prefer the word “sanctification” here. That is probably the better idea. It is an active pursuit of sanctifying oneself in order to be holy. However, if one pursues holiness, it is because of the sanctification process. One looks to the work in getting to the goal, the other looks to the goal while understanding that a process is required in order to attain it.

With that understanding, he says that “without which no one will see the Lord.” Again, the same thought applies here. Without being sanctified as holy, no one will see the Lord, and so the translation could go either way. Sanctification is the process; holiness is the goal. We are to work to be set apart.

However, as noted elsewhere, the author is not saying that we must do the work in order to see the Lord. He is simply making a statement of fact. “Without holiness no person shall see the Lord.” This is why we are to sanctify ourselves in our lives. But this does not negate that we are already sanctified by Christ. There is a positional sanctification which took place when we received Jesus. That is what allows us to see the Lord. There is also a progressive sanctification which we should pursue in this life. In essence –

*We are sanctified and made holy through Christ. Therefore, let us live out our lives in sanctification leading to holiness for Christ.

Life application: The theme of God’s holiness is revealed throughout Scripture, but it is particularly highlighted in Leviticus, Isaiah, and Hebrews. Depending on the stem of the Hebrew word qadosh, the word “holy” will normally mean set apart or consecrated, or it will mean to show oneself sacred or majestic. What the author is telling us is that we are to be set apart from the stain of sin in the world. We are not to remove ourselves from the world as monks and other ascetics have done over the centuries. Jesus Himself – the Holy One incarnate – walked among us, ate with sinners, and never attempted to stay away from fallen man. Rather, He kept Himself set apart from what people did, not from the people. He lived at peace with those around Him and we should as well.

This does not in any way mean that we are to not call sin what it is. Jesus called out the hypocrites, the unrepentant, and the arrogant without hesitation. We should not feel any less angry at the sins of such people. Sin is an offense against God, and it should be considered offensive to us as well.

When we come to God through Christ, we are set apart because of our faith. In response to that gift, we should continue to make every effort to increase in holiness all our days. Remember these things as you go out into the world today. You are set apart. Live that way for the sake of the name of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, forgive me for often failing to be holy and set apart to You. Forgive me for not being angry at sin the way that I should be. Give me the ability to see sin as You see it so that I may never condone it. I know this will lead me to holiness and to a state which pleases You. This I ask in Your beautiful name. Amen.

Friday, 19 April 2019

…and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:13

The author continues with the thought of verse 12, which implored the reader to “strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.” He now continues with, “and make straight paths for your feet.”

Here we have a proverb that was on the author’s mind. What he says here in the first clause is a close quote to the Greek translation of Proverbs 4:26, 27 –

“Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
²⁷ Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.”

The word translated as “path” is unique in Scripture, it is trochia, a noun signifying the track of a wheel. That, in turn, comes from, trochos, another noun signifying a wheel. A wheel is something that moves around a central axis, and thus one gets the sense of a “moral axis,” on which our lives turn. Thus, it is the way of life of a person. This is how James uses that word in James 3:6. This is certainly what is on the author’s mind. He is imploring the reader to be on a morally proper track. This is then united with the word orthos, or straight.

This word, orthos, is then being given as a metaphor for being morally right and virtuous. There is a reason for having such straight paths “for your feet,” which is “so that what is lame may not be dislocated.”

In this, the words, “for your feet,” indicate the walk of life. It is a common metaphor used by Paul. One can walk with God and in accord with His word, or one can walk contrary to Him and His word. But in being morally upright, the movement of the feet will “not be dislocated.” The Greek word for “dislocated” gives the sense of turning aside or wandering away from something. In this sense though, the connection to the body is that it not be put out of joint. If that should occur, then a person’s walk would be hindered. But the idea is of wholeness of body. This is then seen in the last words of the verse. Instead of being put out of joint, they will “rather be healed.”

With straight paths of moral uprightness, instead of being dislocated and falling apart, the person will come to a point of full restoration and spiritual health. The entire thought of verse 12 & 13 speaks of the physical condition of the man, but it points to moral truths –

strengthen the hands which hang down
[strengthen] the feeble knees
make straight paths for your feet
what is lame may not be dislocated
-but rather be healed.

This is all given, as noted in the commentary of verse 12, based on the idea of the race set before us noted in verse 1. In acting in a morally right way, and in keeping ourselves fit and ready for the race, we can then “run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Life application: In regards to the proverb cited above, one sure way to cause worse injury to a wounded knee is to take a path that isn’t level or firm. And surely if you deviate from the path, your foot is bound to find even more trouble. On the same lines, is another proverb which teaches us to use discretion in order to not listen to misapplied wisdom –

“Like the legs of the lame that hang limp
Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.” Proverbs 26:7

As you can see, the Bible is using physical troubles to make spiritual applications in our lives. By understanding these proverbs, we can look to, and understand, God’s wisdom. He created us, and He knows how the two applications – physical and spiritual – demonstrate His wisdom. He is familiar with every physical aspect of our makeup. And so, in making moral applications from our physical attributes, He is revealing how to be morally perfect, just as He is. This is in accord with how to be physically fit and ready for an earthly walk that is trouble-free.

Lord, as You created us, You can readily use examples we understand from our physical bodies to guide us to higher truths in our spiritual lives. Help us to understand such passages in Your word so that we too can have wisdom and insight into such things which You found important enough to include there. In this, we will be both physically sound and morally upright as we walk before You. Amen.

Thursday, 18 April 2019

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, Hebrews 12:12

The word, “Therefore,” is referring to the entire section concerning chastening. When one is chastened he will be bowed down in the shame of his chastening, weakened by the correction, and in need of restoration to a stronger state. This is the purpose of chastening. It is to bring the person to a desire to perform properly in the future. And so the author then says, “strengthen the hands which hang down.”

The word here is anorthoó. It is the third and final time it is seen in the Bible. The first time it was seen was in Luke 13:13 –

“And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.”

The word comes from two roots. The first is ana, which signifies “up.” The second word is orthoó. One can see a hint of the root for orthopedics or orthodontist. It signifies to straighten or correct. The hands which were limp or clenched in anguish are to be straightened out and prepared for work. They are to be strengthened to accomplish the tasks for which the chastening was intended. This will keep the individual from pursuing those things which his correction was to lead him from.

Next, the author says, “and the feeble knees.” After a person is bowed down from his chastening, he is to straighten up. The person is weakened by the correction, and now he is to strengthen himself. His knees are to be ready to support him once again for setting out on the proper path, and for the remainder of the race set before him. In other words, this verse takes the reader right back to verse 12:1 –

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

The chastening which comes from God is intended to bring a person to the place where this is possible.

Life application: The author may have had Ezekiel 7:17 on his mind when he wrote out the words of this verse in Hebrews –

“Every hand will be feeble,
And every knee will be as weak as water.” Ezekiel 7:17

The judgment and wrath of God were being poured out on the people because of their faithlessness and detestable practices. Because of this, there was no hope for strengthening, but rather the hands went limp and the knees weakened completely. On the contrary, the author of Hebrews is saying that rather than wrath and judgment, Christian believers merely face discipline. This discipline is to strengthen us rather than weaken us. If we simply pay attention to what God is trying to teach us, we will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace. And if we don’t, then we will inevitably face our own disaster and loss.

God gives us the choice to follow Him faithfully or to wander and stray. However, as has been noted many times thus far in Hebrews, one will never lose their salvation. The Christian is secure in that promise from God. But how sad many believers will be when they meet Christ face to face and realize the life they wasted in empty pursuit rather than living for Him. Determine today that you will spend your life and your efforts in bringing glory to Him.

Lord God, surely we all need to strengthen ourselves and get about Your business. Give us the ability and the desire to be faithful and honorable followers of Christ Jesus all the days of our lives. To Your glory alone we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, 17 April 2019

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

The author just spoke of the chastening of our human fathers, and then contrasted that with chastening which comes from the Lord. Now he begins with, “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present.” The Greek more correctly reads, “All chastening…does not seem.” The negative should be tied to “seem,” not “chastening.” In this, it is speaking of both human and divine chastening. Whatever kind of chastening (all types) are looked at as a downer when received.

In fact, the point of it is for correction of something that is amiss, and it is a type of discipline which is not expected to be enjoyed. It is in the reception of that which is negative that we are to learn to not repeat the things which were wrong in the first place. That is the entire point of chastening instead of positive encouragement. It is not to be joyful, “but painful.” By its very nature, we are to learn from the negative which is brought upon us. With this understood, the author then says, “nevertheless.”

The word is given to set the coming words in a contrast to what has just been stated. The Greek word is a weak adversative particle which simply means “but,” “on the other hand,” etc. The author has presented the truth concerning the negative immediate effects of chastening, but now he shows the positive long-term effects that are intended to come about because of it by saying, “afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness.”

Fruit is something that takes a given amount out time to come about. A tree may not be doing so well, and it isn’t bearing a good harvest. In order to bring about a more productive plant, fertilizer may be added, the tree may be pruned, and so on. The pruning itself may seem to hurt the tree (something which appears negative on the surface to one who doesn’t understand the purpose of pruning), but in time, the tree starts producing more flowers, those turn into buds, then into fruit, and a hugely more productive tree – with a much larger harvest – is finally realized. This is what the author is saying concerning chastening.

There is a seemingly unhappy beginning to the process which may deny the one being chastened peace, but from it, there comes “the peaceable fruit of righteousness” which comes “to those who have been trained by it.” Those who take the chastening to heart, and apply its negative effects to their life in a positive way, will be the better off for it in the end. This is what Solomon was referring to in Proverbs –

“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of correction will drive it far from him.” Proverbs 22:15

Life application: In reading this verse, we might say, “What an understatement!” No one in their right mind likes a good spanking or having their privileges revoked for being disobedient. Even a spanking that doesn’t hurt the body still hurts the feelings. But when we get disciplined, we learn to not do whatever wrong thing we did. It sets a guide for future actions.

If the guide is based on proper chastening, then our actions will be morally aligned in a proper way. If the guide is based on unreasonable anger or simply because the parent is taking his or her frustrations out on the child, the effects can lead to emotional or moral problems.

When the discipline that is meted out is in love and for the child’s betterment, it will produce “the peaceable fruit of righteousness.” When tough moral issues come along later in life, there will be no question about the proper course to take. Likewise, when God disciplines us for our waywardness, He expects a positive result based on His loving hand of correction upon us.

Whatever trials or hardships you are facing, as long as you keep them in the proper perspective, you will see that God is correcting you for a specific reason. It may not be readily apparent, but a day will come when you will understand all that occurred and the great wisdom of the trial. You will be better set for handling future trials in both your life and in helping others through their difficulties. And, above all, you will be molded more and more into the image of Christ. When He comes, there will be far less loss and far more gain in your eternal rewards. Think on this and know that every trial is there for a good end – from an infinitely wise and loving Father.

Lord, help us to understand why we face life’s trials, hardships, and corrections, and give us the ability to rejoice in them – knowing that they are indeed producing a harvest of righteousness and peace in our lives. This is what Your word tells us, and so help us to remember it when the times of trouble come. Amen.

Tuesday, 16 April 2019

For they 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. Hebrews 12:10

The author now continues with his thought of chastening for correction and the expected outcome of that action. In this, he begins with, “For they indeed for a few days.” The intent of these words is the contrasting of what is temporary and of that which is eternal.

A father has the ability to chasten a child for a set period of time. In relation to a human lifespan, it may be one fifth, or even up to one third, of the person’s life that the son is corrected as a youth. And even after the teenage years, a father can continue to correct his son through various means. But even if that continued through until the father’s death, it is still mere “days” in relation to the eternal nature of God. And the positive effects of the father’s chastening will hopefully continue throughout the life of the child, but that life is but a breath compared to the positive effects which come from God’s hand of correction –

“For all our days have passed away in Your wrath;
We finish our years like a sigh.
¹⁰ The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;
For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
¹¹ Who knows the power of Your anger?
For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath.
¹² So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:9-12

Understanding this, the author continues by saying that our human fathers “chastened us as seemed best to them.” Human fathers may do the best with the circumstances which surround them; but they have limited knowledge, they have limited ability to process any situation and how it will lead to future events, they have limitations on their ability to correctly handle their emotions, and so forth. They can only act within very limited parameters in relation to the situation, but they must act. And so they do as seems best at the moment.

In contrast to this, and speaking of God, he says, “but He for our profit.” The human parent will normally act in a manner which has a positive intent for the child, aiming for what is best for him, even if something negative arises out of his chastening. On the contrary, God knows exactly what will be one hundred percent profitable for His children when He chastens them. There is no “best guess.” Rather, there is perfection of action. The author says this knowing that God cannot err in any way, and thus His correction is so “that we may be partakers of His holiness.”

The intended outcome is geared completely towards this end. The correction we receive from God’s hand will never lead us to a lesser state of holiness. Instead, what occurs is perfectly brought upon us for an exacting and precise outcome. The thing for us to contemplate, then, is that – as children of God – our lives are being directed in the most perfect manner possible for our time and circumstances. If we can truly accept this, then we can know that those things which seem out of control are actually under complete control. This leads to the peace that passes all understanding. God has it all under control.

Life application: Parenting doesn’t come with an operating manual – as any parent knows. Books written to help parents through tough times often come with contradictory messages and even good ones don’t cover all circumstances. And so we discipline our children “for a few days” as we think best. However, because of our own faulty morals and limited knowledge of both present and future repercussions, we often blow it and make things worse.

Because of this, we can then fly to the opposite extreme and fail to discipline at all – thus making things worse in a different way. Also, because of our inner desire to protect our children, we will often decide on a lesser punishment simply because we don’t want to hurt them or break their hearts. Isn’t it complicated? They steal a cookie and we go through a huge dilemma of trying to decide how to handle it!

God, however, is the perfect administrator of justice. For those who haven’t called on Jesus, one type of punishment will be handed out – eternal condemnation. But for His sons through adoption, God disciplines us for our good in order that we may share in His holiness.

When we suffer hardships or trials, we may often be confused as to whether it is God’s correction or just time and circumstance. In either case, we should consider it God’s providential correction and accept it with gratitude. By accepting our situations this way, we learn to share in his holiness. Just as Jesus accepted the reviling, persecution, jeers, and eventually crucifixion from His people, we too should accept what comes our way. Jesus, though not needing correction, still accepted the trials to show us how we too should live.

Lord God, if receiving Your hand of discipline means sharing in Your holiness, then let it come. To Your glory alone. Amen.