Hebrews 12:12 begins with “Therefore...strengthen the hands which hang down and the feeble knees.” Most of us have already been taught that when we see a “therefore” we should investigate the reason it is there for? “Therefore” in this verse is a link to tie the previous thoughts to the immediate statement which follows. “Therefore” is not an introduction of a new thought, but the indicator pointing at the conclusion about to be stated.
To properly understand “strengthening hands that hang down and feeble knees” we must recognize that this has something to do with the verses that have proceeded. Actually, we will see the statement has everything to do with them. Here is a hint to aid the investigation – something has made the hands hang down and the knees become feeble; find the culprit and the conclusion becomes even more apparent.
Several verses set the tone of our investigation and hint strongly at the cause: verse 3 – “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged.” When we become weary and discouraged, we have a tendency to let our hands hang down. Verse 5 echoes the same concern – “….My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him.” We need only remember the face of that son or daughter to illustrate this.
The writer of Hebrews is establishing a link between misunderstanding discipline and the discouragement that will result. This is why he quotes Proverbs 3:12 “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” The writer further reminds us that no discipline is joyful at the time, but always painful; it is later in recovery when the peaceable fruit of rigthteousness appears to those who have been trained by discipline. When we fail to receive His discipline in the light of His perfect love, we open ourselves to becoming disheartened and letting our hands hang down.
THEREFORE – the writer gives his readers this seasoned advice. “Strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed.” Discipline is given for a reason – to straighten our own “crooked path”. This timely help should not discourage us! We will only make ourselves lame by walking in “our wrong ways.” Walking in cooked paths always causes us to stumble – most of our injuries are self-inflicted. The crooked paths we find ourselves on are a direct result of ignoring the directions we have been given. He knows we are destined to get lost and entangled in the snares awaiting us and He sends His loving discipline to turn us back.
Crooked ways cause serious injury, even permanent dislocations. To save us from our wrong ways, God’s loving discipline comes to turn us around so that we might share in the holiness of His way. We must be careful not to resent His loving discipline. The difference between wisdom and folly is seen in our attitude towards correction; the wise count it all joy; fools despise reproof and discipline. To those who understand it, God’s discipline is a fountain of life turning them from the snares of death. Snares are always found in the crooked paths we choose for ourselves, never in the way of holiness. God keeps His own ways free and clear.
The Good Shepherd will always lead us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. The wise realize this and are comforted by both his rod and his staff. If we find ourselves disturbed or discouraged in a time of discipline, it would be highly advisable to check the map again and strengthen our hands and knees to get back in the straight and narrow once again.