Etetor Roland Eshiet, Sr.
Day Twelve: Friday, January 17, 2025
The Book of Hebrews Chapter 12 NIV
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses …(v1).” A great crowd of witnesses?! That made me ponder for a spell, actually several. What does this phrase mean I wondered. A quick study revealed that it means or rather refers to a group of people who lived by faith and died in their faith. A group of people we might tag “The Faithful (Hebrews 11).” Invariably, Hebrews 12: 1-3 is telling us that as children of GOD (amongst the living), we are surrounded by, encouraged by, cheered on by, The Faithful – “with our eyes on JESUS (paraphrased), the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Therefore, we must not let sin, especially the sin that easily ensnares us, rob us of our victory in CHRIST. We must run the race of righteous living with a perseverance that secures us eternity with GOD.
Christians are told to “endure hardship as discipline (v7).” “[Believers are not to] make light of GOD’s discipline; [we are not to] lose heart when GOD rebukes [us] because the Lord disciplines the one HE loves, and HE chastens everyone HE accepts as HIS son (v6).” Verse 8 goes on to say, “If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.”
Other verses are incontrovertible in their expression of GOD’s command to believers. We must “make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord (v14). Once again, no ifs, no ands, no buts. No wriggle room for exigencies.
The Book of Hebrew 12 is a throwback to the Old Testament. We are reminded nay cautioned that though GOD loves us, HE will not hesitate to discipline us. We have to be thankful (for HIS mercy, grace, lovingkindness etc.) and worship HIM with reverence and awe (v28).
May GOD help us as we strive to live a life of complete and total subjugation to HIS word. May the name of the Lord be praised forever and ever!
For a review of Studying the Book of Hebrews: Daily Breakdown: Day 11
Kindly watch this page for daily updates as we progress.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
Have a splendid New Year 2025.
Etetor Roland Eshiet, Sr.
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