Devotional:Expect Suffering:Hebrews 12:1-3

When I was growing up, I often heard my mother say that people think that they will get to heaven on flowery beds of ease. I understood what she was saying intellectually, but I did not fully appreciate what she was saying. I knew that life was not always easy. I knew that sometimes it was difficult to do the right thing in the eyes of God. If one lives for God and according to His ways they can expect to suffer. Jesus often reminded His disciples that just as they had seen Him suffer, they too could expect to suffer.

As I have grown older and more fully in the knowledge of Jesus, I have come to appreciate what I had heard my mother say. Life as a Christian is not easy. There is suffering because of our own sinful nature that bends us toward sin and away from fellowship with God. There is suffering because when we do what is right in the eyes of God we will be persecuted by people in the church and in the world.

The writer to the Hebrews tells the people that they are suffering because of their faith in Jesus and their faithfulness to His words. They are harassed by people both in the church and people outside the church. These are people that they have known all of their lives—at least most of their lives. They have left Judaism and turned to Christ. Harassment and persecution by their community, including family members has caused some of them to leave the church and return to Judaism. The writer of this letter sought to encourage them. He exhorted them to remain steadfast in their faith in Jesus.

First, the writer gives them historical evidence to show them that Judaism was not able to bring them into a saving relationship with God. Jesus was the only example that they were to follow. He is the author and perfecter of faith. He endured the cross because He looked forward to the joy of sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God. They too must endure suffering with their eternal reward in mind. Suffering in this world is unavoidable because of the works of sinners in this world. When we think about Jesus and His suffering on our behalf we will not lose heart. We expect to suffer.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give us the strength to suffer as you suffered. Amen.