Thought For The Week

There’s an interesting passage of scripture found in Hebrews 12, beginning at verse 12. It says, "Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed." (Hebrews 12:12–13) To better understand these verses, one must read the preceding text which explains the reason this Christian is all droopy. Having just been disciplined by the Lord, (v. 5-11) they are now deflated, with head and hands hanging low and standing on shaking knees. Just as a child who has been disciplined by a parent, this Christian has been humbled to the lowest degree.

As we grow and mature in Christ, there will be times when we discover an unrealized sin. God’s word will convict us and we’ll understand that repentance is needed. We may become discouraged, now knowing that an addiction, habit, or relationship is not pleasing to God and there must be a change in our lives in order to be in good standing with the Lord. But as hard as some changes may be, it will be worth all of the pain. “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11)

Just as the whimpering child learns from the spanking, we too must learn from the chastening of the Lord. The scriptures go on to tell us to lift ourselves up, brush ourselves off, and renew our spiritual vitality so that we can once again be fruit bearing and [well] pleasing to our God.

Jay Launius - 2023, Maud church of Christ, Maud, Texas