God’s Discipline Proves His Love

Hebrews 12:1–12 (God’s Discipline Proves His Love) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.

Today’s scripture reference is very powerful. I might suggest you read it again, very slowly. Let the meaning soak into your mind and heart. Most people associate the word disciple with punishment. Scripturally, it means so much more. I’ve studied and written on this before but the ‘Holy Tap’ keeps bring it up. You know what that means…it means God is outlining the path He wants me to take with this devotional. This is His devotional anyway, I just offer up my hands and time, which is His to begin with, so basically, considering He gave me the desire and motivation to write, I own none of it. So, ‘discipline’ it is!

You’ve heard me say before, “If you discipline yourself (exercising self-disciple), no one else will have to.” This is a true statement as far as living a lawful, considerate and moderate life. This is the stuff we can do in our physical lives. When it comes to our spiritual life, God doesn’t stop there. His discipline extends to every area of our lives and is for our greater good. This is our Heavenly Father loving His children enough to mold and shape them into His righteousness. We have no righteousness of our own, no amount of good works or clean living can make the difference. It is the sculpting, maturing discipline of our loving Father and the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us that count.

After the holidays, we will start a study on Divine Discipline. I think it’s a good way to kick off the new year. Don’t let the title scare you away. I realize discipline isn’t always a popular topic and there will be those that choose to skip reading it altogether. That’s a shame, who knows what God will reveal through that study. I, for one, am anxious to see where He takes it.

…But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.