Running through the wall
Endurance athletes know all about “hitting the wall”. It’s a dangerous (but avoidable) state of exhaustion which can mean the end of the race or worse. Hebrews 12:12-17 warns believers about spiritual exhaustion and how to avoid or overcome this. God loves and disciplines His children to keep them from harm. The worst possible harm we can experience is to drift away from Him and miss out on the free gift of eternal life and a restored relationship with Him. God warns the people of the early Hebrew Church that they are showing signs of getting tired and falling away from Him forever. He encourages them, and shows them that they can get through these tough times by trust, obedience and perseverance.
Scripture
Hebrews 12:12-17 ESV Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, [13] and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. [14] Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. [15] See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; [16] that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. [17] For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.
Bible Study Questions
What does Hebrews 12:12-13 warn the reader about? Is it too late for them or do they have a chance to turn things around?
When we’re tired of running we show the signs of verse 12 and 13. What signs could indicate that we are becoming spiritually tired?
What are the two main things to strive for in order to turn the process of spiritual exhaustion around? Hebrews 12:14
How could Jewish Christians (particularly) risk failing to obtain God’s grace? In what ways are we risking missing out on God’s grace? Galatians 2:20-21
What does the “bitter root” refer to in Hebrews 12:15 and Deuteronomy 29:18
What did Esau trade for a single meal? How are persecuted or suffering Christians risking a similar loss? Genesis 25:29-34
Esau only valued his inheritance when it was too late. Jesus warns all believers of something similar in Matthew 7:21-23, what should we learn from Esau’s failure?
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You that You watch over us and see when we are failing. Thank You that You don’t leave us to fall, but faithfully guard and guide us through the difficulties of life. Please forgive us when we want to give up, and help us carry each other through struggles and pain. Help us Lord to do the small things and keep doing them faithfully trusting You with our burdens. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Worship
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
Service
Take some time to listen to the Christian friends you have. Are they sounding tiered? Are they showing signs of fatigue? Pray for them and ask the Lord Jesus Christ to help you to encourage them by His word and through acts of love.