Jun 16

Hebrews 12, which was just referenced, covers a lot of ground. It speaks of many things that have been mentioned here in these devotions as well. There is a lengthy discussion of the matter of discipline in this chapter, ending with the encouragement that, even though we, by our human nature, do not enjoy discipline, we, by our human nature, need it.

The words of Hebrews 12 encourage us not to look at the pain of the discipline, but to the goal of discipline in our lives. We are to strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees and be encouraged that God loves enough to treat us as his children who must be disciplined for our own good.

Esau is then mentioned as one who could not see beyond the immediate moment and who sold his blessed eternal destiny for the satisfaction of the moment. He sold his birthright for a pot of food that would satisfy his stomach only for a short time. Imagine, trading eternal joys for momentary pleasures.

Yet that is what the world and our own sinful, shortsighted human nature leads us to do. How desperately we need the vision of eternity that is provided for us in Christ. It enabled him to endure the suffering of the cross. It will enable us, through him, to persevere to the end of our lives in this world.

Scripture for today: Hebrews 12
Thought for today: Vision of the eternal is needed to overcome the vision of the moment.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, give me your vision of the Father's eternal plan for me, so that I can enter into the fullness of that vision in heaven, even as you did.

JUN 16