“Nevertheless Afterward”

“Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees” — Hebrews 12:12

The first word in today’s text is “Wherefore…” This “wherefore” refers back to what has been previously stated. In the first part of Hebrews 12 we are told we are running a spiritual race (vs. 1-2). This race will involve chastening (vs. 5-10). Chastening is not joyous—“No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous…” During times of chastening, our hands hang down and our knees don’t feel like running. We grow weary “striving against sin” (see verses 3-4). But God goes on to say, “Nevertheless AFTERWARD it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (v. 11). Then comes our text verse: “WHEREFORE lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees…” This should be our response to the “afterward” in verse 11. After the chastening is over, we should lift our hands in praise and get our knees moving again because we are nearing the finish line of the race.

Have you ever noticed as a runner crosses the ribbon at the finish line his hands are lifted high? Hey Christian, the race is almost over… you’re on the “straightaway” (v. 13). This is no time for your knees to go wobbly. Get those feeble knees in high gear, and get your hands up! The finish line is just ahead!