OUR FATHER WHO CHASTENS THOSE HE LOVES

The writer of the book of Hebrews chapter 12 verses 3 - 11 adjures the readers to keep in mind that their salvation was attained by the Lord Jesus who endured violent hostility to the point of death thus those who are being saved must perservere through hardships with the understanding that they are subject to correction by their Father in heaven and even when the chastening feels unpleasant, it yields the peacable fruit of righteousness that synchronizes us with the civilization of heaven where we can be partakers of His holiness.

If our human fathers benefitted us when they chastened us with their limited understanding, how much more will our heavenly Father's corrections yield righteousness unto life in our lives if we subject ourselves to it.

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,

Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;

6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens,

And scourges every son whom He receives.”

7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Amen.

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