It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (Hebrews 12:7, ESV)
The readers of Hebrews understood the word endure. For them is meant a hard struggle with sufferings, they were publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and they sometimes stood side by side with those who underwent the same treatment by sympathizing with prisoners for the sake of Christ. Their property also was confiscated (Hebrews 10:32-33).
They, however, were joyful when all of this became their portion, because they had their eyes fixed on lasting possessions (Hebrews 10:34).
They stuck it out as God’s discipline, who through their circumstances provided direction, teaching and instruction. That’s how He deals with his legitimate children.
For our sake God dealt (original: presented as an offering) with his Son, who endured opposition from sinful men; He also endured the cross, the shame – and now sits in glory with the Father (Hebrews 12:2-3)!
God is our Father, we are his sons, that’s how He presents/deals with us. This way we will be offered/presented to Him in Jesus Christ. Any other offering will not satisfy our holy Father.
He deals with us because He loves us. Otherwise we might find something else more attractive than His mercies. And we’ll miss out on lasting possessions.
Ultimate Standards 