Wednesday 3 February 2021

Today is Wednesday the 3 February, in the 4th week of Ordinary Time.

Mōzi sings, ‘Ah, Sovereign God’.

Today’s reading is from the letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 12: 4-7, 11-13

In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children—
‘My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
   or lose heart when you are punished by him;
for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves,
   and chastises every child whom he accepts.’
Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? 
Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.

The writer to the Hebrews encourages the early Christians to see the challenges and trials they are facing as part of their on-going discipleship, part of following Christ. This passage focuses on God’s discipline. What do you understand by the word ‘discipline?’ Is it a positive or negative word for you? Why is this?

In what ways might God’s discipline be positive for those who follow Christ?

As you listen again identify areas in your life where you would benefit from some discipline, order or routine as a way of deepening your commitment to Jesus.

In these final moments pray for the Spirit’s wisdom and insight to help you recognise God’s support and care in any challenges you are facing.   

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.