cb.blog

Posted December 16, 2006; back-dated.

Today´s reading:
OT: Ezekiel 29-30
NT: Hebrews 11:32-40, Hebrews 12:1-13
Ps: Psalm 112
Pr: Proverbs 27:17

Today´s notable verses:

¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ² Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

These beautiful, encouraging verses are the culmination of the Faith Chapter, and the transition into Paul’s discourse on discipline, which he summarizes here:

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.

Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

As an expectant father, I now read scripture involving parenting and fatherhood in a much more meaningful light. I certainly respect my own father for the love he demonstrated to me through his training and discipline, and as I contemplate demonstrating that same love to my own children I appreciate all the more the difficult position of putting one’s children through the temporary pain of discipline in order to produce in them the eternal harvest of peace.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

The One Year Bible Blog´s comments for today.