Subject: Suffering and God's providence |
Bible Note: Hi atdcross, In Hebrew 12 vs. 5 the writer changes focus from persecution to discipline. Call to lay aside encumbrances and sin: 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Jesus is our example, having endured all: Heb 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. His example of enduring persecution Heb 12:3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. The example refined to what it cost Jesus: Heb 12:4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Here the writer narrows the focus to what it cost Jesus, and away from where the suffering came from. The exhortation to sons: Heb 12:5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. That, and this. The writer brings in a second element. Before the "and", the writer is speaking of how we must put off our sin. We have not resisted against our sin as hard as Jesus persisted in the face of His persecution. After the "and", the writer now brings in a new thought. Heb 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." Heb 12:7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? You must resist against sin. The Lord is your Father, and will disciple you as needed. I maintain that this passage is not about persecution, although an example that involves persecution is used. It is about the setting aside of sin, and what your part is, and what God's part is. Love in Christ, mark |