Hebrews 12:3-13 (Morning Prayer)

It is very difficult for anyone to face rejection, hostility or be a victim of a hate campaign. If you find yourself in a difficult place, the writer here ask us to:

1. Consider how Jesus has suffered for us and be encouraged by that (Heb 12:3-4). Few of us will need to “shed our blood” the way He did. Even at present, we should also consider the sufferings of other Christians. I find new courage to move on when I consider that whatever suffering I am going through pales in comparison with what my brothers and sisters have to face elsewhere.

2. Do not forget that only those who are loved and "owned" are disciplined. (Heb 12:5-8) If you have all the freedom in the world and no one cares about what you do or how you behave, it may be because you are not loved! We are His children. We are not spiritual orphans. He uses many ways to teach us, discipline us and so on that we may be grow into His likeness.

3. Besides, if our earthy fathers discipline us for our temporal good, what more if the discipline prepares us to live well into eternity? (Heb 12:9-11) Here in Singapore we now too well the difference in worth between free-hold and lease-hold properties.

4. And finally, though discipline is unpleasant when experienced, it yield “peaceful fruits of righteousness” in due course (Heb 12:11). There is something about suffering which brings unto a point of humility, patience, love and attractiveness in the way we relate to others. Mention “attractiveness” as that is what sweet and colourful fruits are for - to attract for pollination purposes.

If you are going through difficult times, may you find encouragement in this passage. To be encouraged is simply to find the courage to "lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” (Heb 12:12)