HEBREWS 12

We are instructed to lay aside our weights and our sins which cling to us so that we can run with endurance the race set before us. This isn’t a sprint to see who can serve the hardest for the next year. This isn’t about serving the Lord 40 in Children’s Ministry for a couple of years and saying “that’s it – I did my time”. We are instructed to prepare for a long distance event. God doesn’t want us committed for a few years only to fade away because we served hard but ended up burning out. God wants us to serve every day for the rest of our lives. Now, that may seem extreme but… in the context of the rest of this chapter, is it really?

We are to look to Jesus Christ, the founder and perfecter of our faith who for the joy set before Him took the cross. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and did so with JOY. If that doesn’t blow your mind, stop what you are doing and read verses 1 and 2 again and really consider that. Jesus died for your sins and He did so with joy. In spite of the shame, in spite of people not listening, in spite of people calling Him names and spitting on Him.

God wants us to serve Him every single day for the rest of our lives. Why? Because Jesus died for us and that is the least we could do.

The author then continues to discuss discipline. Generally speaking, this word has negative connotations associated with it. People don’t want to be disciplined, they want to be encouraged and “guided”. The author goes so far as to say that it is for discipline that we have to endure (v7). So, we need to prepare to live the rest of our lives committed to Christ and be prepared to be disciplined as we do so? Man, that doesn’t sound all that fun. What did I sign up for with this Christianity business?!?!

Put it in context of the love that God has for each one of us, however and it is a different story. God doesn’t discipline us like a terribly earthly father (I am sure that there are many out there that have these stories and terrible memories). God disciplines us as a Father who loves us more than we could possibly imagine. He disciplines us in a way to help shape us into a righteous man or woman for Christ. He disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness (v10). What could there possibly be that would be better than that?

So, practically… we are instructed to lift up “drooping” hands and our “weak” knees and get in shape. We are to make our paths straight and start taking action. We are to get to work and not sit around and talk about what we are going to do in the next week or two. We are going get off of our lazy bottoms and serve the Lord with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind. And we aren’t going to get weary of doing so because God is going to help us… He is going to discipline us in a way that helps shape us into a long distance, enduring runner for His glory and His name. What could possibly be better than that in our life?

PRAYER

Father, I am so thankful for this scripture. Thank you for reminding me why you are disciplining me even when I don’t like it. Thank you for reminding me that Jesus died on the cross for me personally… and He did so with JOY. Lord, I confess that I am lazy. I want to do things in my life that make me happy and are comfortable. Those things may very well be in Your plan for me but that doesn’t mean I get to ignore those things that You are calling me to. Sharing the gospel. Serving you by raising up the next generation of believers. Loving and bringing up my family in the Lord. Father, loving that person that You know I don’t want to love. But You do! You want me to love him and show him Jesus Christ in my actions and in my behavior. Father, I confess that without You, I will mess that up every time. I pray that you would guide me by the Spirit to make wise choices, I pray that you would discipline me to prepare me to run the race that You have set before me. Lord, it is only through Jesus Christ that I can do anything that is worthy of Your name. Help me to love your people in Hutto, in Round Rock, in my neighborhood in a way that glorifies You and helps them to see Your grace and love. I pray these things in Jesus Christ’s name.

Amen.

  JASON WORTHEN | Elder

Jason and Larissa were part of the founding members of Hutto Bible Church in 2007. Previously, they attended Hill County Bible Church Pflugerville for nearly six years. They have been married for 16 years and have three daughters: Elisabeth, Sarah and Rebekah. Jason is employed by General Motors and Larissa is a stay-at-home mom who works three times as hard. Jason put his trust in Christ in 2003 when he was attending Bible Study Fellowship in Austin. Both Jason and Larissa have served in Children’s Ministry, Student Ministry and in an elder capacity.