Father, as I get back into the routine today, may Your hand be on my shoulder. May You be ever on my mind. May I be a beacon of hope in a dark world that will draw others to You, Amen.
Hebrews 12:12-13 (<<click here to read the passage)
As I am well aware, Lord, discipline can involve punishment to correct errant behavior, but discipline also involves experienced guidance and direction. Many people in our lives have helped us to become disciplined. Teachers taught us how to read. Coaches instructed how to execute an effective block from the line of scrimmage. Piano instructors imparted to us the ability to coordinate 10 fingers on a keyboard to make beautiful music. Work supervisors trained us how to remove links from a stretch band on a customer’s watch.
Spiritual discipline is much the same. Many people have impressed upon us the importance of reading the Scriptures, taking the time to interact with You daily, and faithfully coming together to worship You and encourage one another. Yes, we learn from others, but most importantly, we must discipline ourselves to hear Your voice – to learn from You.
To be faithful disciples, we must learn, but we must also teach. We may not be able to get up and speak in front of others, but people watch us all the time. Verse 13 says, “Make out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak or lame will not fall but become strong.” As we follow You, Lord, others will follow our lead. May my course, Lord, be straight and true.
(June 7th, 2016, Tues, 6:12 am)
Apr 20th, 2025, Sun, 7:03 pm
Dear Pastor Thom
I love your post on these verses. It absolutely brings out the message Paul is trying to convey.
For those who don’t know, Hebrews is written to a church of Believers in Rome who were, for the most part, Jews and Proselytes. They have been saved but many are considering returning to their Jewish roots. In this passage, v. 12 begins with “Therefore”. One must return to the paragraph above it to get the first portion of the message. Here, it’s God’s discipline of those who are His. In vv 12-13, he is admonishing the strong (straight path people, if you will) to strengthen and support those wandering. The Greek renders this very well.
He is revisiting what he just said 2 chapters earlier. Hebrews 10:20 states the way (the path) has already been prepared for you by Christ (and boy could Paul evermore attest to that). Therefore, Hebrews 10:25, stop forsaking the assembling of yourselves together……but exhorting one another as you see the Day approaching. Why?? Because the strong in the faith at the assembly can help you walk that straight path!!!!!
Beautiful!!!
Stay strong Pastor Thom. We’re almost home!!!!
I appreciate the feedback, John. I apologize for not replying sooner – life’s been pretty hectic! May the Lord bless you for your kind words. Many, myself included, are looking forward to the sweet homecoming! A passage from my sermon this morning comes to mind –
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” 1 Peter 5:8-9