The Greater Healing
Opening Prayer
Open my heart to Your heart right now, Lord Jesus. Open my mind to Your mind and my spirit to Your Spirit.
Read HEBREWS 12:4-13
[4] In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. [5] And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, [6] because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” [7] Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? [8] If you are not disciplined-and everyone undergoes discipline-then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. [9] Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! [10] They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. [11] No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. [12] Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. [13] “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why should we be encouraged by God's discipline?We, like Job, often wonder why we are struggling. In today’s reading, the writer reminds us of God’s plan for our well-being, a plan grounded in his love. Like the trials of Job, it is not always pleasant. Sometimes it may mean discipline, but it proves that we are in God’s family (5,6).
Verse 12 is a special verse for me. The word used here for healing really means spiritual healing, healing from the inside. Naturally I wish I could walk and do all the things able-bodied people do. I would also love to have the joy of seeing others healed. So far, however, God has chosen not to heal me in that way. I have often asked him why—in a similar way to Job’s many questions. I have learned that our question “why?” often needs to be changed to “for what purpose?” God has given me many opportunities I may not have had otherwise. Your situation may be too painful for you to think that way, however. Do keep considering Job. Be open and honest with God. He will answer you.
Apply
What do you think is the difference between submitting to God’s plan and giving up (9)? What have you done?
Closing prayer
Loving Lord, I know that Your plan for me is good. Help me to accept any discipline from You in that spirit.
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