Do ever feel weary or faint-hearted? Certainly, there are times we get a case of the Mondays. Sometimes, those cases last much longer than one day. With all that is going on in the world around us, it’s easy to feel exhausted and discouraged.
Christians in the 1st century were weary and faint-hearted due to the animosity and the persecution they endured. The letter of Hebrews addresses this, encouraging them to hold firm to their faith, enduring the present trials in light of future promises.
In Hebrews 12, the Hebrew writer gives 3 exhortations on how to not grow weary or discouraged. First, we should Consider Christ and how he endured. We read in verse 2 that Jesus “endured the cross, despising (“thought little of”) the shame.” Why? “For the joy that was set before Him.” Jesus endured the present trial in hope of the future reward. His “joy” was the joy of bringing salvation to all. Additionally, He “endured from sinners such hostility against himself” (v.3). This was an encouragement to 1st century Christians who were also receiving hostility from sinners. The writer is saying, “Jesus endured what you’re going through.” He goes on to say, “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood” (v. 4). In other words, you’re still breathing so keep pushing forward! Jesus was the example of future-focused endurance. Consider Him and do likewise!
In addition to looking at Jesus, the writer encourages them to look to the scriptures. In verses 5-6, he quotes Proverbs 3:11-12, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” He reminds us that we are sons of God, and sons receive discipline. He elaborates in verse 8 that if we do not have discipline, we are not truly sons of God.
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Often, men are conditioned to view trials as curses rather than blessings. We often think of trials as a sign of God’s disapproval. But the Scriptures say the opposite. This is not a sign of disapproval, but of approval. This is not a sign that we are cursed, but rather blessed (See Matt. 5:10-12). The Hebrew writer says, “This discipline is for our good, that we may share his holiness” (Heb. 12:10, emphasis mine). This is training us for holiness and righteousness (V. 11). Instead of letting trials wear you down and discourage you, take in the training. Rejoice in sufferings (Rom. 5:3; James 1:2-3). Let it build you up. To quote C.S. Lewis from his book The Great Divorce, “They say of some temporal suffering, ‘No future bliss can make up for it,” not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into a glory.”
And finally, we are to encourage each other. Verses 12-13 say, “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.” The call is not individualistic; it’s plural. “Lift your (plural) drooping hands…” In other words, lift each other up. If a brother or sister is hurting, encourage them. If they are struggling with sin, pray for them (James 5:16). These verses reference Isaiah 35:3-4, which was written to Israel in exile. God was telling them to be strong and endure, because He was coming. He will come and save them. This was a reminder to 1st century Christians and is a reminder to us as well. We may be enduring trials in the present, but the Lord is coming again, and He will save us. So be encouraged and encourage each other. A reward is waiting in the future so cling to the hope in the present. Encourage others to do the same. Seek out those who might be weary and faint-hearted. Give them strength. Lift them up. Be a brother, for “… a brother is born for adversity” (Prov. 17:17).
Jared McLeod
