CHAPTER 12
Therefore,
since we
are
surrounded by
such a great
cloud
of witnesses,
let us throw off
every
encumbrance
and
the
sin that
so easily entangles,
and let us run
with
endurance
the
race
set out for
us.
Let us fix our eyes
on
Jesus,
the
pioneer
and
perfecter
of our
faith,
who
for
the
joy
set before
Him
endured
the cross,
scorning
its shame,
and
sat down
at
the right hand
of the
throne
of God.
Consider
Him who
endured
such
hostility
from
sinners,
so that
you will not grow weary
and lose heart.
And
you have forgotten
the
exhortation
that
addresses
you
as
sons:
“My
son,
do not
make light of
the Lord’s
discipline,
or
lose heart
when He
rebukes you.
Endure suffering
as
discipline;
God
is treating
you
as
sons.
For
what
son
is not disciplined
by his father?
If
you do not experience
discipline
like
everyone
else,
then
you are
illegitimate children
and
not true
sons.
Furthermore,
we have all had
earthly
fathers
who disciplined us,
and
we respected them.
Should we not
much
more
submit
to the
Father
of our
spirits
and
live?
Our fathers disciplined us
for
a short
time
as
they
thought best,
but
God disciplines us
for
our
good,
so that
we may share
in His
holiness.
No
discipline
seems
enjoyable
at
the
time,
but
painful.
Later on,
however,
it yields
a peaceful
harvest
of righteousness
to those who
have been trained
by
it.
Be careful that
no
one
falls short
of
the
grace
of God,
so that no
root
of bitterness
will spring
up
to cause trouble
and
defile
many.
See to it that
no one is
sexually immoral,
or
is godless
like
Esau,
who
sold
his
birthright
for
a single
meal.
For
you know
that
afterward,
when he wanted
to inherit
the
blessing,
he was rejected.
He could find
no
ground
for repentance,
though
he sought
the blessing
with
tears.
For
you have not come to
a mountain that can be touched
and
that is burning
with fire;
to darkness,
gloom,
and
storm;
For
they could not bear
what
was commanded:
“If even
an animal
touches
the
mountain,
it must be stoned.”
Instead,
you have come to
Mount
Zion,
to the city
of the living
God,
the heavenly
Jerusalem.
You have come
to myriads
of angels
in joyful assembly,
to the congregation
of the firstborn,
enrolled
in
heaven.
You have come
to God
the judge
of all men,
to the spirits
of the righteous
made perfect,
to Jesus
the mediator
of a new
covenant,
and
to the sprinkled
blood
that speaks
a better word
than
the blood of
Abel.
See to it that
you do not refuse
Him who
speaks.
For
if
the people
did not
escape
when they refused
Him who
warned them
on
earth,
how much
less
will we escape
if we reject
Him who warns us
from
heaven?
At that time
His
voice
shook
the
earth,
but
now
He has promised,
“Once more
I
will shake
not
only
the
earth,
but
heaven
as well.”
The words,
“Once more,”
signify
the
removal
of what
can be shaken—
that is,
created things—
so that
the
unshakable
may remain.
Therefore,
since we are receiving
an unshakable
kingdom,
let us be filled with
gratitude,
and so
worship
God
acceptably
with
reverence
and
awe.