Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race set before us. Hebrews 12:1
Preface
This blog post is an examination of Hebrews 12:1-12 which encourages faithful followers of Messiah to persevere and to lay down all hindrances to fix one’s eyes on Messiah as we are taught the spiritual discipline of running the race of faith.
In doing so, there are both present and future ever-lasting blessings awaiting those who faithfully endure to the very end of this generation. Grace and Peace
Featured Biblical Passage
Therefore, strengthen the weak hands and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame limb may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:12-13
Context
Before we examine our featured Biblical passage, let us review the previous spiritual admonishment of the writer of the Letter of Hebrews to the faithful followers of Messiah.
In this Letter, verses 3-11 communicate about the importance of spiritual disciplines in life for a child of God. As much as many of us deny or deem that it is not God’s will, God in His divine design, purpose for His children to be disciplined.
Enduring Suffering as a Discipline
The writer of Hebrews encourages his audience to remember the shed blood of God’s faithful witness, Jesus as the ultimate example of encouragement in remaining faithful in a hostile and godless world. In verse 3 he proclaims all faithful followers of Messiah never to grow weary nor lose heart.
The very essence of the necessity of suffering as a child of God is best understood when we take a deeper understanding of the word, paideia. Paideia communicates about the rearing of a child, and the needed training and discipline of that child for their lifetime.
This very word is used by the writer of Hebrews to describe the suffering of the child of God as a needed means of spiritual discipline from God. This suffering is how God deals with those who are faithful and those who are His sons and daughters.
The fascinating reality of paideia is that it may be expressed or imposed as a form of discipline or chastening. With this in mind, let us compare and contrast the importance and difference of the two.
Discipline versus Chastening
The purpose of spiritual discipline is to correct behavior, encourage growth, and maintain order. Chastening aims to bring someone back to the right path or correct any wrongdoing while restoring the child of God to faithful obedience.
Within the context of this Letter Hebrews 12:7 reflects that both our earthly parents and our Heavenly Father discipline their children. The notion of discipline runs throughout the Holy Scriptures thus the very Holy Scriptures become God’s primary instrument in spiritual training and discipline alongside the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
“And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
“And fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
As expressed in verse 8, if anyone within the Body of Messiah is left without discipline after becoming partakers, these individuals are called, ‘nothos‘ [a bastard, a baseless child, or a counterfeit and not sons.]
Please consider 1 John 5-6: but whoever keeps His Word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.
Note
How God disciplines His children is ultimately His decision. His children who are disciplined are also eternally “sealed” with the Holy Spirit. The sealing of the Holy Spirit signifies ownership, assurance, and God’s eternal presence with all Believers.
The supernatural power and presence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit in the soul of Believers is the manifestation of the inner and outward expression of God’s love and commitment to all His People. [See Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Ephesians 4:40]
God’s Discipline
God uses our physical parents as the initial instructors, nurturers, and providers throughout our lives as we develop through various life stages. Yet, the writer of Hebrews 12:9 asks one of life’s most important if not an important spiritual progressive questions to those who have a relationship with God: “Shall we not much more obey the Father of Spirit to live?”
Within this verse, God is referred to as the “Father of Spirits.” This title emphasizes His role as Creator and the sustainer of our spiritual existence in this life and the eternal life to come. Please consider these most powerful spiritual truths:
“For in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your poets have said, for we also are His offspring. Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.” Acts 17:28-29
God being the “Father of Spirits” is essentially superior to any training or discipline that our biological parents provide us for a short season. Our Heavenly Father’s discipline is always present granting His children the opportunity to be set apart and united with Him. Such a blessing guarantees that His children are spiritually empowered to perform His tasks and will upon the earth.
“Father of Spirits” in Hebrews 12:9 reminds faithful children of God’s ultimate authority and care over their spiritual lives, encouraging them to embrace His discipline as a necessary part of their spiritual development and well-being. Consider this quote from Wisdom 3:5-8:
“Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of Himself; like gold in the furnace He tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering He accepted them.
In the time of their visitation, they will shine forth, and run like parts through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over people, and the Lord will reign over them forever.”
The Importance of Communal Support and Living a Disciplined and Faithful Life
Hebrews 12:12-13 (NIV) states:
“Therefore, strengthen the weak hands and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame limb may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.“
The imagery of “weak hands” and “feeble knees” in our feature passage represents physical and spiritual weakness. The exhortation to “strengthen” them suggests a call to renew vigor, courage, and resolve in faith. Believers are encouraged to fortify themselves spiritually to endure and overcome challenges.
In addition, the call to “make straight paths for your feet” signifies the importance of living a righteous and disciplined life, following a clear and upright path. This means avoiding sin and distractions and staying focused on the spiritual calling and commission as a child of God.
The goal of spiritual regeneration is that “the lame limb may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.” This verbiage highlights the importance of ongoing spiritual restoration and healing. The verse suggests that by following God’s path, weaknesses can be transformed into strengths, and what is spiritually lame can be healed.
Though the passage speaks to individuals, it also has a communal implication. Everything related to God’s Kingdom is centered upon families, communities, and nations. Strengthening the weak and making straight paths can be seen as a collective responsibility within the Body of Christ. Believers are to support and encourage one another, ensuring that all members can walk steadfastly in their faith.
Lastly, this verse emphasizes holistic well-being—both physical and spiritual. The health of one’s spiritual life is interconnected with one’s physical actions and lifestyle choices. A disciplined spiritual life leads to overall healing and strength.
“Do not run through life so fast that you forget where you have been and where you are going. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.” — Anonymous
The Race of Life
Final Thoughts
The race of faith for a child of God will make us weary, stressing us out in every possible manner. The author of Hebrews 12:13 reminds his audience and each of us to remember that the race in which our Heavenly Father has placed us in, must be run by putting one foot in front of the other.
Those who are running this race of faithfulness will indeed suffer hardships and injury, and at times, the worst of which are those who become sidelined whenever Jesus the Messiah is not central throughout their spiritual journey on earth. All power in the heavens and on earth has been given to Him through the Father. Matthew 28:18
Yeshua is the One who can supernaturally heal the children of God while faithfully supporting them in the spiritual journey. “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” — Matthew 24:13 (ESV)
“Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor the left, turn your feet from evil.” Proverbs 4:25-27
Grace and Peace
