We have been reminded of forefathers who lived by faith in chapter 11. They pleased God and saw the great work of God as they were part of it by faith. Now, Jesus is the greatest example among them all, who bore the cross and shame. As Jesus willingly obeyed God, he became a great example of not being discouraged by the persecution of the world (2).

If God is in control, why should we suffer? The author reminds us that God lets us go through hardship as discipline (5). A father disciplines his children with all his wisdom to raise them to be competent adults. God also disciplines his children (7). No discipline feels pleasant at the moment. But through discipline, we come to understand God's heart and share in his holiness (10). We come to realize our hope in the kingdom of God better and come to trust in God's love fully. The purpose of discipline is not to hurt the child but to help him become stronger (13).


Application: Father, thank you for reminding me of your discipline of love. I often feel discouraged when I see your people go through hardship. Please help me to have spiritual eyes to pray for them and encourage them to fight the good fight in your name. Help me to take your discipline with the attitude of a trusting child being taught by his father to grow spiritual muscle and be useful in your work.
One Word: God's discipline helps us grow