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You have forgotten the exhortation...

Text: Hebrews 12:5

REGAINING PERSPECTIVE

It is possible to lose one’s perspective when under duress! This appears to have been the case in this instance. Hence the author of Hebrews wrote to remind.

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks
to you as sons:
‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him,
For whom the LORD loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.'”
Hebrews 12:5-6

1. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as sons

a) This assumes that the readers have been taught basic doctrines.

b) One of these doctrines has to do with being “children of God”.

2. The chastening of the Lord

a) The Lord reserves the right to chasten.

b) It is His prerogative to rebuke.

c) This is especially true when God seeks to correct us when we sin against Him.

3. For whom the Lord loves He chastens

a) God does not delight in chastening.

b) But all chastening (“paideuei”) is always done in the spirit of love.

c) This word describes the way parents bring up children.

d) Those whom God loves would experience chastening from time to time.

4. And scourges every son whom He receives

a) The word “scourges” (“mastigoi”) is even fiercer than that of “chastening”.

b) This word actually describes “whipping”.

A true child of God who has learned to have faith, and who has cultivated a deep sense of love and trust, would never flinch even when he is scourged!