And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; (6) For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives”. (7) If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?  (11) Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.  (12) Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, (13) and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown but it was written to converted Jews to encourage them to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ Jesus in the face of persecution. In the verses we study today we are being reminded that God hates sin and the verses are viewing suffering from Gods perspective. Clearly the Bible – the word of God – approves of discipline and presents it as not for destruction but there for the purpose of righteousness and reward in the end.  Christ endured the wrath of God and became sin so that we might be saved. Our suffering is minimal compared to this – our sure hope of the future will give us motive to endure.  We have to strive against our sinful nature and put away the sin that besets us.

Discipline is presented here as the lot and privilege of all sons of God. God requires fitness of character which results from endurance and submission. The fruit of enduring brief earthly conflict (suffering) is peace with God.

I have a close friend who is right now enduring the last phase of ALS – Lou Gehrig’s disease. I have watched her deal with this terrible slow way of dying and marvel at her joy and patience. Instead of thinking of her suffering she has shown all of those who love her how to endure and triumph in  face of terrible adversity.  The Apostle Paul wrote in his second letter to Timothy  – “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought the good fight.  I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”.