Have you ever thought of your life as a “race” before? Perhaps you’ve heard the term “rat race,” as it describes the maze of patterns we find in our lives. We can certainly identify with the preacher here when he describes something holding us back, our baggage, perhaps. Sometimes we’re too busy holding on to the past that will never be again. Our future is so much brighter!
Endurance through it all is suggested. That can be easier said than done, to be sure. When we look back and see the accomplishments we’ve had in the past, we often marvel at how it could ever have been possible. Parenting is one of those life challenges and blessings all wrapped up together. We endure, we press on, and hopefully we tap into the Holy Spirit’s power.
As God’s children navigating through the “race” track of life, we often make bad choices and fall away. We reveal our disobedience. It should not be a surprise that in those times we are disciplined by our Heavenly Father. How do you respond to the discipline? “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Does that quote change anything? I’m certainly grateful for all the corrections, even if they are hard.
Normally, I don’t dwell on what things in my life may be divine discipline or simply the consequence of my bad choices. I do try to learn from my mistakes, even though I have a hard time forgiving myself for stumbling.
Do you do that, too? Are you self-critical like me, always striving to be the best you can be? When we miss the mark, it can be hard. I know other people have an easier time setting those disappointments aside. But divine discipline, that sounds good, like something I should welcome because it comes from God to show his love for me.
The preacher goes on to tell us how we can be more successful at avoiding the discipline. “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” That sums up the way I try to live my life. I avoid confrontation and seek peace. I want people to see Jesus in me.
We see a beautiful picture of heaven here with joyful angels, fellow believers, our mediator and friend Jesus, and God himself. We will not be afraid and trembling in fear like those in the wilderness. We have had the opportunity to know the Father as we have been invited into his presence because of Jesus and the new covenant.
I love how this chapter ends by talking about being unshakable. What a great image to help us understand what our faith should be like. We should cling to Jesus as the avocados did to the tree yesterday when I violently shook it to loosen and remove fruit that could make my dog sick.
God will allow trials to come our way. We may never know if they are designed as divine discipline. Our response is to be unshakable, as God’s kingdom is unshakable. Reflect on this: “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.”
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for how you have disciplined me and led me from harm on more than one occasion. Forgive me for my stubbornness and selfish ambition. I want to be grateful at all times and in awe of your unchanging might and love for me. Help me to be more like Jesus every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
