Hebrews 12 Devotional

A Father Who Trains His Children

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”Hebrews 12:2 (BSB)

Hebrews 12 turns from the long list of the faithful to the one they all point to. Believers are to run with endurance, throwing off entangling sin and keeping their eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy ahead of him and now sits at God's right hand (12:1-2). Hardship is not a sign that God has abandoned his people. It is discipline, the training a father gives the children he loves, so that they may share his holiness (12:5-10). It hurts at the time, but later it yields peace and righteousness (12:11).

The chapter also warns against falling short of God's grace, as Esau did when he traded his birthright for one meal (12:15-17). That warning stands beside a far greater welcome. Believers have not come to the burning mountain where even Moses trembled, but to Mount Zion, to the living God, and to Jesus, whose blood speaks a better word than Abel's (12:18-24). They are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and the fitting response is grateful worship (12:28).

To think about: What hardship in your life might God be using to train you rather than to punish you?