Title: Man in Suffering (Hebrews 12:5-13)
Contents Dr. Geun-mo Jeong's confession of faith, 'I want to be a more faithful Christian than a scientist', was recently published in a book. He is the first Korean to serve as the chairman of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and he is credited with the founding of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and has served as the Minister of Science and Technology twice. But he said he was proud of being a Christian more than any other career. It was his son that led him from a rocky road as a world-class nuclear physicist into the deep world of faith. The son was both adversity and blessing. When I found out that my son had chronic nephritis at the age of 10, he had his kidneys removed and transplanted into him. After that, the son had to fight the disease for 26 years, and there was a time when he tried to commit suicide because he could not bear the pain that crossed life and death. Through these painful days, Dr. Chung's family became dependent on God, learned to pray, and experienced the grace of fellowship with co-workers in the faith.
Those who are in pain should listen to the Word today. Remember, I am not alone in suffering. He said, “All discipline is acceptable” (verse 8). So many people groan in sickness, poverty, and suffering that it is strange that a person who is not sick is strange. Each hospital is overcrowded with patients. Families in the church all have problems, difficulties, and worries. Nevertheless, they appear to be okay because they are patient and, in the end, believe in God's promise of restoration.
Pain is given for good. “for a bit… discipline, but for our good” (verse 10). Discipline has the meaning of discipline in the English Bible, that is, discipline, discipline, and discipline. Just as soldiers need training and performers need bloody practice, believers need training because they need it, so He inflicts pain. Do not be discouraged if you pray but there is no answer. Be comforted by saying that God's time has not yet come. Ease or prosperity is never a blessing; rather, suffering can be a blessing. It is because suffering makes us pray, humbles us, and makes it an opportunity for spiritual maturity.
After overcoming the pain, there is a fruit. “It didn’t look happy at the time… after… It bears fruit of peace” (verse 11). The time is now. Today is painful and sad. But later, that is, in the future, there is definitely fruit. The saints live today, but they are the people who look forward to the future and live with hope. Are you in pain for a while? Please keep in mind that there is a fruit and do your best to buy it.