Lesson 584

(Lesson 584)(03-23-13) Hebrews 12:1-6, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."

Today's lesson should be vigilantly taught by all who profess Christianity. This author encouraged the Hebrews to cherish the punishment they received for their inherent day to day sins of the flesh. We should, as children of God, all recognize that the challenges we confront and the setbacks we suffer are confirmation that our Lord Jesus Christ loves us and is forever there to keep us pointed in the right direction. "My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
We must always remember, the only righteousness within us is that righteousness that is imputed in us through our faith in Jesus. Without Him, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:".~