The sense of the test

"My son, do not despise the discipline of the Lord, and do not be discouraged when you are taken back by him; For he whom the Lord loves, he disciplines ..." Hebrews 12: 5, 6

This quotation from the book of Proverbs (3: 11-12) is taken up by the author of the letter to the Hebrews to encourage them. The Hebrews are believers, both Jewish by birth and education; They accepted the gospel and are therefore misunderstood by their people who rejected and crucified Jesus. They suffer many humiliating harassments. This passage wants to encourage them in their faith by giving meaning to what they live.

The author of the letter reminds them that they are recognized as sons. He refers to the filial relationship announced by Jesus to Mary Magdalene : "Go to my brethren and say to them : I ascend to my Father and your Father" (John 20:17). Discipline is therefore not presented as the punishment inflicted by a severe God but as a formative experience desired by a loving Father for the spiritual progress of his child.

The author points out two opposing reactions to avoiding the ordeal :

- despise it: try to minimize it, ignore it or remain stoic ;

- to be discouraged: to be defeated and paralyzed by doubt.

In the 21st century, the search for comfort and pleasure is a priority in our Western societies; But the trials and difficulties have not disappeared !

Let us not wait for an explanation of the trials that are reaching us ; To find a meaning would probably confront us with unanswered "why". On the other hand, the continuation of the passage opens up an encouraging prospect : "Now, no discipline for the present seems to be a subject of joy, but rather of sadness ; Yet, later, it renders the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are exercised by it "(Heb.12: 11). We can taste "the peace of God, which will ... keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4: 7). Thus the trial brings us closer to Jesus, enables us to live in His train and helps us to better understand our neighbor in order to help him.

NB : The term "discipline" and its derivatives include education in general (including, but not limited to, punishment, see Acts 22: 22.3).

Source (To pleasing the Lord)