A reproof for Jesus’ disciples

Hebrews 5:11-12 Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. The author did have a lot to say about Melchizedek, and he’ll say it in chapter 7, but for now, he was led by the Spirit to reprove them. Sometimes a reproof is necessary. It depends on whether the erring person has a heart to receive it. I’m reminded of a few Proverbs at this point. Proverbs 15:31, “He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.” Proverbs 10:17, “He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, but he who ignores reproof goes astray. The author refers to Proverbs 3:11 in chapter 12. “My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord or loathe His reproof.” From the author’s perspective, his readers should be more mature than they are. In fact, he thought they should be teaching others, making disciples. He said they had a hearing problem. They were dull of hearing. God had spoken to them in Christ, but they had not entered into His rest. They had had the good news preached to them (4:2), but unbelief had hardened their hearts so that the word of God was not feeding their souls as it should. Can you relate to this reproof? How do you respond to the word of God when you read it or hear it preached? Are you learning obedience from the things you are suffering, or have you not receive it well and find yourself griping and complaining at God and others? If so, you’re living for the wrong reason. You’re not living to love with Jesus. Instead, you’re living for yourself. If that’s the case, consider yourself reproved—hopefully, lovingly. By the way, Jesus’ disciples needed a similar reproof. He reproved His disciples in Mark 10:15 when they didn’t like the interruption of their agenda or expectations by parents and children coming to be blessed by Jesus. “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Don’t miss this. Jesus was giving them milk when He told them that. This is entry level for nursing babes in the kingdom. One can’t even get into the kingdom of God if he doesn’t learn to obey like a child and receive well what the Father gives them. Receiving well our circumstances and our suffering means we trust our Father’s purpose and love like Jesus did. That’s the reproof the author of Hebrews has in mind with his readers. Do you need someone to teach you the elementary principles of the kingdom of God? Are you struggling to enter into God’s rest in the midst of your trials and suffering? You’re not the first to face these things, nor will you be the last. I hope you’ll receive not only the reproof of the Spirit in these verses, but repent and receive the kingdom of God well for His glory. Draw near to the throne of grace to receive mercy and grace to help in time of need so you can glorify Him as you live to love with Jesus.