Endurance for Justice A Long Distance Faith A study of Hebrews 12:3 17 on the daily Bible refresh.

Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.

This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.

In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.

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Here's today's reading the reading from Hebrews 12:3 17 reading for the message Discipline in a Long Distance Race do you see what this means?

All these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on.

It means we'd better get on with it.

Strip down, start running and never quit.

No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.

Keep your eyes on Jesus who both began and finished this race we're in.

Study how he did it because he never lost sight of where he was headed.

That exhilarating finish in and with God.

He could put up with anything along the way, cross, shame, whatever.

And now he's there in the place of honor, right alongside God.

When you find yourself flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item.

That long litany of hostility he plowed through that would shoot adrenaline into your souls.

In this all out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through.

All that bloodshed.

So don't feel sorry for yourselves.

Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children and that God regards you as his children?

My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, but don't be crushed by it either.

It's the child he loves that he disciplines.

The child he embraces.

He also corrects.

God is educating you.

That's why you must never drop out.

He's treating you as dear children.

This trouble you're in isn't punishment, it's training the normal experience of children.

Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves.

Would you prefer an irresponsible God?

We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us.

So why not embrace God's training so we can truly live?

While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them.

But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best.

At the time discipline isn't much fun.

It always feels like it's going against the grain.

Later, of course, it pays off big time for us, the well trained who find themselves mature in their relationship to God.

So don't sit around on your hands.

No more dragging your feet.

Clear the path for long distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle.

Help each other out and run for it.

Work at getting along with each other and with God.

Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God.

Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity.

Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent.

A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time.

Watch out for the Esau syndrome that is trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short term appetite.

You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing.

But by then it was too late.

Tears are no Tears well, an impressive passage of scripture here and where this is all about spiritual endurance, community support and the long journey towards transformation.

Let's get into our points to ponder.

The first is about going beyond individual achievement.

This passage, of course, uses the racing imagery, but it's not about personal spiritual achievement.

Notice the emphasis on clearing paths for others and helping those who might trip.

This speaks to collective liberation.

Our spiritual journey is intertwined with community care and mutual support.

True spirituality means ensuring no one gets left out of God's generosity.

Second point is about reframing discipline.

The Bible text here, discussion of discipline needs careful interpretation.

Rather than promoting suffering as divine punishment, it suggests that transformation often involves challenging growth.

For progressive Christians, this might mean the discomfort of confronting privilege, the challenge of solidarity work, or the discipline of sustained justice engagement.

One more point to ponder.

It's about generational wisdom.

The Cloud of Witnesses reminds us that we're a part of a long tradition of justice seekers and truth tellers.

From abolitionists to civil rights workers to environmental activists, we're surrounded by examples of endurance in the face of opposition.

Their stories can shoot adrenaline into our souls when we flag in our commitment.

Here's your action step.

Practice sustained solidarity.

Create a spiritual training schedule that balances action with rest, resistance with renewal.

Include specific times for justice work, community support, learning from our elders and personal renewal.

And maybe share this response, this schedule with others to create some sort of mutual accountability and support.

We'll come back with a closing prayer here in just a minute.

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Let's pray.

Oh God, you are a divine source of endurance.

When justice work leaves us weary, when transformation seems slow, when our spirits flag and our feet drag, remind us we're not running alone.

Surround us with the wisdom of our ancestors, the supportive community, the strength of shared purpose and help us clear paths for others.

Notice those who might stumble and ensure no one gets left behind.

May we embrace the discipline of hope, the training of transformation, the endurance of love and determination in community we pray.

Amen.

My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.

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My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.

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Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.

His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.