William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Hebrews 12:12 - 12:12

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William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Hebrews 12:12 - 12:12


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As if our apostle had said, "Seeing so glorious fruits spring from sanctified afflictions be not dejected in mind, nor suffer fear to seize upon you, which weakens the hands, and enfeebles the knees, and causes them to smite one against the another; but be resolute for God, make straight paths in the way of Christianity, not stepping once out of it to avoid persecution, lest they who are already lame and feeble, the weak and wavering Christians, be disheartened, and moved by your example to turn out of the way, but let them rather by your constancy be confirmed in their Christian course."

Learn hence, 1. That in the running of our spiritual race, we must put forth our utmost strength and activity; but where the course is long and difficulties great, we are apt to grow weary and despond, our hands hang down, and our knees grow feeble.

Learn, 2. That faintness and weariness in duty, dejection and despondency as to success, and great evils, and of fatal consequence unto others as well as ourselves, which therefore we must with all intention of mind watch against; Lift up the hands that hang down, and the feeble knees.

Learn, 3. That negligence and careless walking in time of prosperity, and pusillanimity and weakness in time of trial, is a great mean of turning aside those that are lame and weak out of the paths of visible holiness: Lest that which is lame be turned out of the way.

Learn, 4. That the sight and due consideration of a Christian's courage and constancy, will tend very much to the healing of the weak and lame Christians whilst they are in the way, whose recovery, when quite turned out, will be very difficult, if not impossible. -Let it rather be healed.