Fathers Who Corrected Us Hebrews 12:9

As the writer of Hebrews shared concerning the “chastening of” the Lord toward His “children”, he told them if they were “without chastisement”, they were “not sons” of God . In chapter twelve and verse nine of Hebrews the writer referred to how we “had fathers of our flesh which corrected us” where we read:

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

The verse begins, “Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:”. The writer began with the word, “Furthermore” which means “then and after that truly, certainly, surely and indeed” “we have had fathers” or “we have held and possessed male ancestors, parents or progenitors” “which corrected us” which means “gave instruction to, disciplined and chastise the writer of Hebrews and his readers” “and we gave them” or “provided, offered and brought to their fathers” “reverence” which means “regard, respect and reference”. The writer pointed out how he and his readers had “fathers” who provided “guidance, instruction, discipline and chastisement” toward them.

The verse continues, “...shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?”. The writer added the words, “shall we not much rather be in subjection” or “how much more should the writer and his readers arrange themselves under, subordinate, be in subjection to, obey and submit to control” “unto the Father” or “towards the ultimate progenitor and creator” “of spirits” which means “the Originator, Providential and Gracious Sustainer at once of animal and spiritual life”, “and live” or “be among the living, have breath, vital power and vigor”?. The writer's comparison is between “earthly fathers” and the “heavenly Father” who is God Almighty, and he questions his readers concerning their “reverence” toward their “earthly dads” and Father God.

When we consider these words in Hebrews, we notice the comparison the writer makes between “earthly” fathers and the spiritual “Father” or God. Those who have “earthly fathers” have known the correction that he provides and the information that not only extends life but helps to guide through life itself. This “training” promoted “regard and reverence” towards “earthly fathers”. Our Heavenly Father created everyone, and He is the ultimate authority over mankind. Those who trust in His Son Jesus Christ as “Savior and Lord”, (“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12) are His children, and they shall be “chastised” and “corrected” by Him. This should cause them to give “high regard” and “reverence” to God, and those who are wise shall willingly be “in subjection” to Him. May all who read know and believe these words.

Next time the writer shares how “we might be partakers of his holiness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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