OBSERVATION: The author of the book of Hebrews had just
taken us through what many call the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews chapter 11 in
which sites all the examples from the Old Testament of those who held by faith
the promises of God. They didn’t look to
their inheritance as an earthly prize, but as a heavenly one yet to come. They by faith pleased God through their
obedience to Him all the while looking ahead to a “better country, that is, a
heavenly one”, a city prepared for them in heaven. All of their earthly trials and sufferings
would not keep them from pursuing God’s calling and promises because they
considered their home somewhere else.
Currently these believers (and us) that the author was addressing were
experiencing many trials and sufferings.
He was encouraging them in the testimony of those who went before them
and even more importantly that our Heavenly Father disciplines His children
that they might be perfected by Him. He
was helping them to see their present sufferings through the lense of the
Spirit.
APPLICATION: Let’s be honest, our hands get droopy and our
knees do often get weak in difficult times.
