Disciplined faith
by Libby Krahling
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My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when you are punished by him (Hebrews 12:5b).
Read Hebrews 12:3–11
In this passage, we learn about God’s discipline. The word ‘discipline’ comes from the Latin word for learning and instruction. Disciples are students. To be Jesus’ disciple means to learn from him.
Hebrews points out that parents teach their children by punishing them when they misbehave. That doesn’t mean abuse, that means showing children that poor choices have consequences. We live in a fallen world, where we live with the consequences of sin – Adam and Eve’s and our own. As a result, we will face times of suffering and struggle. Some we bring on ourselves by our own choices, some are thrust upon us from the choices of others or the broken environment in which we live. And some, we suffer at the hands of the evil one, so that, like Job, our faith may prove genuine when tested.
The point of this is not that God wants us to be miserable or have a terrible life. It is that he wants us to learn – to trust him and follow him, no matter what is happening around us. To love each other even when that feels very difficult and our fallen humanity rebels against it. Through discipline, the Holy Spirit works within us to produce his fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, forgiveness and – yes, even self-control!
Jesus lived as a human being. Even though he did not sin, he still suffered harsh trials, temptations and great ‘hostility against himself from sinners’. Even knowing what was coming, Jesus exercised the self-control that comes from faith to walk the way of the cross, submitting himself to the Father’s will. Christ shared the burden of our discipline, and through him, we are made true children of God.
Jesus’ example encourages us not to lose heart but to persevere when facing opposition or difficulty. Times of difficulty aren’t signs that God doesn’t love us – they are opportunities to practice the discipline of perseverance, trusting in God even when we struggle.
Loving God, thank you for sending Jesus to walk among us, so that from his example we can learn to trust you in the darkness. Help us submit to your discipline, sure in the knowledge of your love. Amen
Libby Krahling and her husband Phil are members of St Petri Lutheran Church, Nuriootpa, in South Australia. They have two adult sons. Libby runs the Worship Planning Page, organises the Daily Devotions, and this year is currently working on the Worship and Devotional Life in Lutheran Schools and Early Childhood Services project for Lutheran Education Australia. In her spare time, Libby loves to cook, read and paint.
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