From bad to worse

 

Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. (Heb 12:13-14)

 The writer of Hebrews offers some sound advice for all of us.  He tells us to strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble.  You will notice that he assumes there will be weak hands and feeble knees. Trials and tribulations are a certainty in this life.  Jesus told us, “in the world you have tribulation” (Jn 16:33b).  The issue is not one of avoidance, it’s one of healing.  The joints that give us trouble can easily go from bad to worse, if not treated.  So, what exactly is the writer of Hebrews referring to?  What might these ailments represent?

 The beginning of the chapter gives a good clue:

 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

 As Christians we are in a race.  Saints who have gone before are watching in the stands.  We are to run with endurance.  We must lay aside sin which encumbers and entangles.  Weak hands and feeble knees will result.  They must be treated so we can run well.  So, what are the sins that so easily entangle?

 Heb 12:14-15 gives some answers:

 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

1. Unresolved conflict.  We must keep short accounts with others.  Jesus admonished us to settle accounts quickly, while still on our way to court (Jn 12:58, my paraphrase).  Paul tells us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Ro 12:58).  As conflict is left to fester it eats away at our walk with God and the vitality of our spiritual life.
2. Unconfessed sin.  The sanctification talked about in verse 14 above is referring to growth in personal holiness.  Although sinless perfection is never achieved in this life, 1 John 1:9 reminds us to confess those sins we are aware of.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn 1:9)
3. Bitterness. By failing to keep short accounts with God and others we risk developing an angry or bitter attitude.  This “root of bitterness” not only destroys us, but also others.  No one can run a race effectively with these hindrances in place.  Unresolved conflict, unconfessed sin, and a root of bitterness can make us ineffective in our walk with Christ. 

Like the proverbial frog in the kettle, we can slowly lose our first love for Christ, gradually drift from a close walk with Him, and increasingly grow weary and lose heart.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Heb 12:1-3)

 Do not allow things to go from bad to worse.  Deal with things quickly, whether they are with man, with God, or within yourself.  These ailments can be healed.  We can overcome.

 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33)

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All passages in this blog were taken from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995)