Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:8-10 ESV)

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When my husband entered the pilot world through the military, he quickly discovered that many other young pilots he met were from a line of pilots in their families. Much like royalty, indeed some individuals assumed they would become pilots because it had become something of a family heritage. This is similar to the Levites we read about in the Old Testament. God appointed the tribe of Levi to be priests among His people in Numbers 3. They were effectively born into this calling and fulfilled it based on their family name.  

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My husband got his love of aviation from his dad; however, he was the first to become a pilot by vocation. He simply loved flying. I will never forget the look on his face when he received the news that he had been selected to become a military pilot. He was so excited to get to do something he loved and so honored to be part of less than 4% of the Air Force that hold the title Pilot. This started a three-year process of becoming an officer, going through several phases of pilot training, then completing more specific training on the airframe he had been assigned to, before officially arriving at his first duty station as a pilot. During this time, there was a lot to learn, and the stress level was not low, to say the least; however, my husband’s submission to the process became his strength in becoming a good pilot. His “suffering” ultimately matured him into a resilient, thorough, calm, capable, and levelheaded pilot.  

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No one likes suffering. Even if the suffering is for our good, like a hard workout at the gym or, in the above scenario, pilot training, most people who have put themselves in a position of suffering have an understanding that it is for their good and willingly participate for the end result. Romans 5:3-4 says, “…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…” It does take a certain level of maturity to endure suffering for an outcome. It is rare indeed to accidentally arrive at greatness without some measurable form of suffering and intentionality. Even with this intention, the result is also often for the benefit of the one suffering. While the suffering endured may benefit those around them, most suffering doesn’t produce a positive result for the masses. This is where Jesus breaks the mold.  

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Jesus is the ultimate example of suffering for a result, but not His own self-glorification; it was to save us. Because He was humble and devoted, God appointed Him High Priest. Jesus was not a Levite but came from the tribe of Judah, yet our Scripture makes it clear that God appointed Him to be the High Priest forever. He was “selected” to be the high priest, as His sacrifice covered all sin, for all time. He submitted Himself to obedience to the Father and suffered in His death. He trumped all sacrifices in His resurrection, as He truly was the perfect sacrifice – not because He was of the right family line, but because He was obedient to the will of the Father. Jesus’ strength was His willingness to suffer and save us.  

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Imagine the level of maturity needed to suffer humiliation, physical torture, and betrayal for people who may or may not choose to follow you in the end and choosing to do it anyway. Admittedly, anything we suffer here on Earth pales in comparison to the cross – a perfect man dying, not for himself but for all who may come to know Him.  

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As we continue our study of Hebrews and the tendency to drift away from our faith, Hebrews 5 speaks to the call on all of us to mature – that we should not still be spoon-fed the wisdom we receive from God’s Word, but that we should be mining these things ourselves and even teaching them to others with room to grow.

Have you allowed the suffering you have endured in your life to mature you so you may teach others God’s wisdom that you’ve gained? Where might you be settling for “baby food”? What area might you need to submit to the process of becoming mature…even if that means suffering?  

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It isn’t a fun topic to think through, but I’m praying and trusting that the Holy Spirit will bring to mind whatever area that may be. Invite God to do a work in you that allows you to joyfully suffer for the sake of knowing Jesus better and drawing others to Him through your example.  

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Lord, please be with us today. We don’t like suffering, but help us to not let this keep us stuck in our immaturity. I know You will show us where we need to grow. Help us submit to You in these areas. We love You. Amen.