“because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” (Heb 12:6 NIV)
Each Christian is enlisted in God’s training program. God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness. Out of His love, God chastens us as parents discipline children for their own good. God has His purpose in chastising us. Therefore, we ought to endure hardship and suffering as discipline.
“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
In the book of John, Jesus claims to be the door of the sheep (10:7) and later on, the good shepherd (10:11). Jesus uses the metaphor of the door of the sheepfold to convey that He is the only door by which we may enter into God’s sanctuary and be saved. Once we believe in Jesus Christ, we enter the door of salvation and embark on a journey of faith. For the rest of our lives, we live with the hope that when we come to the end, we shall enter heaven to be with God forever. Jesus is the one and only door. The “only” door means we can receive eternal life through Jesus Christ and Him alone.
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“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people.” (Lk 1:68)
Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. Just as Boaz bought back land to guarantee Ruth and Naomi’s inheritance, by His death on the cross, Jesus has redeemed us from sin to secure our eternal life. In the book of Ruth, Boaz, as a close relative of Ruth’s dead husband, was the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. In marrying Ruth, Boaz revived the lineage and patrimony of Naomi’s family.
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. (1Pet 2:21)
Jesus Christ suffered for us. He endured much pain and sorrow while doing good for us. Jesus suffered physically throughout His trails, torture, and crucifixion. He suffered emotionally as He was rejected by many, especially when all the disciples deserted Him and fled when Jesus was arrested. He suffered spiritually as He cried out on the cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mt 27:46) Jesus was crucified to bear our sins. The suffering of Jesus Christ was God’s plan for the salvation of the world.
“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him.” (Psalms 103:13)
The third title for the coming Christ given to the prophet Isaiah is Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus is the Everlasting Father. He has compassion for us as a father has compassion for his children. He listens with compassion to all our pain, fears, complaints, and prayers. Under His care, His protection, and His provision, we are safe and will be gratified for eternity.