This verse sums up the matter of enduring trial dealt with thus far in this chapter. It also tells of the reward for enduring this trial. It is in contrast with the following three verses. Verses 13-15 tell of the end of sin, while our verse 12 tells of the end of righteousness. The word "temptation" is found in verses 12, 13, and 14. In our verse 12, it refers to being tried by circumstances, but in 13 and 14 to being tempted to sin. Happiness is connected with verse 12, but only sorrow with verses 13-15.

"Blessed is the man ..." The word "blessed" could be translated "happy." The thought is exactly the same as verse 2, where we read, "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." Again we have the same thought in 5:11, "We count them happy which endure." The word "blessed" as used by the Lord Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount has a similar meaning. In Matthew 5:10-12 the thought is the same as in our verse; namely rejoicing under trial. It is rewarding to track the word "blessed" through the Psalms. It is the opening word of the first Psalm, and appears many times throughout the book. There it could be translated "happy," too.

Happy in time of trial: As we noted in connection with verse 2, it is not natural to be happy in time of trial, but as we contemplate the glory that lies ahead, we can rejoice. We can be like the Lord Jesus, "Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2).

"... endureth temptation ..." All Christians have trials, and some have many. However, today a Christian's trials generally are no worse than the unsaved. The unsaved, as the Christian, has sickness and bereavement, etc. In the early days, Christians have suffered much persecution. Today, as a rule, apart from trials common to man, the worst that comes our way are a few taunts.

"... endureth ..." If we are to win a crown, we must do more than just pass through a trial; we must endure it. We might consider our troubles, as coming from the hand of the Lord, and not simply suffer them. In Habakkuk 3:17, we have a terrible picture of everything earthly utterly failing, but in verse 18 we read, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." That is what it means to endure trial.

Real endurance: The real hero in a battle may not be the one who advanced, but the one who stood in the hard place, and took, without retreat, the fierce onslaught of the enemy. Some are kind because all is lovely round about them, but the truly great are kind in the midst of great trial. Some are religious because they are always treated justly, but the stalwart remain righteous in the midst of much wrong. Some do not fall into sin because they are shielded on every side, but the strong remain pure in spite of fierce temptation.

Christ endured: The subject of Hebrews 12:1-7 is endurance. We find the word in verses 2, 3, and 7. Then the word "patience" in verse 1 would be better translated "endurance." In verse 2 we see how Christ, "For the joy that was set before him endured the cross." Then in verse 3, "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." He had to endure a great deal to save us.

We shall endure for Him: If we love Him as we ought and as we profess, we should be ready to endure for Him. However, if we endure without love to Him, it will profit us nothing. "And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing" (1 Cor. 13:3 R.V.).

Reasons for trial: In connection with verses 2 and 3, consider again some reasons for a Christian's trials – principally the testing of faith. Also, consider again the chastening hand of the Father. The Lord may send trials to humble His children (Deut. 8:2); He may send them so we may learn to be sympathetic and helpful to those in trial (2 Cor. 1:4).

Example of purpose of trial: The story is told of Doctor Moon of Brighton, England who suffered blindness. This came at a time when he was ready to achieve renown and usefulness in his chosen sphere of labor. At first he was embittered. Of what use now was his capabilities and knowledge? He could not use them in the dark. Then he began to consider how to make it possible for blind people to read the Word of God. He later invented the Moon alphabet. As a result, millions of blind people can read the Bible today in their native tongues. As with Dr. Moon, the Lord might send us trials in order that we might be helpful to others in trial.

Rewards for enduring trial: Our verse promises special reward to those who endure trial. So, trials are a blessing in disguise. They are the pathway to receiving eternal reward, "The crown of life." There is a reward for the evangelist, for the minister, the elder, the teacher, the deacon and other Christian workers, and also for the patient sufferer. When we are crowned in glory, the trials we have passed through will seem insignificant.

Time or eternity: We should live for eternity. The world thinks only of the present and cares little for the future. Some folks don't care anything about heaven; evidenced by one who, after hearing a Gospel message, was heard to say, “I want their pork chops now.” Even some Christians seem to live mainly for today. The rewards of heaven don’t seem to interest them much. They want things to be nice and comfortable down here. Remember what our Lord says: And everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (Matt. 19:29)

"... receive the crown of life ..." The crown of life is especially promised to those who are tried and endure because of love to Christ. Not only are the great ones crowned, but also those who endure suffering or persecution. The word "crown" here implies a kingdom. The epistle was written to Jewish Christians, and the Jews did not crown the victors of their games as the Greeks did. Paul contrasts the incorruptible crown which the Christian receives, with the corruptible crown received by the victor in the Greek games in 1 Corinthians 9:25.

Other crowns: Other crowns mentioned in the Word are "the crown of righteousness" (2 Tim. 4:8), "the crown of rejoicing" (1 Thess. 2:19, 20), and "the crown of glory" (1 Pet. 5:4). "The crown of life" is also mentioned in Revelation 2:10. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." The promise of these crowns should stir us to godly Christian living and service.

Christ crowned: Our Lord Jesus was crowned with a crown of thorns (Matt. 27:29). This crown symbolized the curse which He bore for us on the cross. Thorns were part of the curse placed upon Adam because of his sin in the Garden of Eden. When they put this crown on His brow, they were saying as it were, "The only crown you deserve is one that is accursed." However, the Christians feel far differently about it. Notice Revelation 4:10, 11: “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power." When He comes in power; "on His head will be many crowns” (Rev. 19:12).

"... the Lord hath promised ..." When the Lord hath promised, He will do. Man's promises are often meaningless. Knocking doors, inviting folks to hear the Gospel, sometimes people promise to come who never intend to do so. Our verse says, "The Lord hath promised," and surely His promises are yea and Amen (2 Cor. 1:20). "God is not a man that he should lie...hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" (Num. 23:19). Let us have more confidence in the Word of God. If out of love to Him, we have endured, His promise is true, we shall receive a crown of life.

A Christian keeps his word: The story is told of Lord Shaftesbury, a nobleman of England. He had promised to meet a poor girl at a certain time and place to give her financial aid. When the time came, he was very busy and was tempted to send someone else in his place with the money. However, he decided to go himself, saying those historical words, "Shaftesbury thinks too much of his word to break it to a beggar girl." Likewise, beloved, the Lord will do what He has promised. He thinks too much of His Word to break it. As believers, let us learn from this to be men and women of our word. If we have promised, let us adhere to it, if humanly possible.

"... to them that love Him." "We love him, because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). If we do not love Him, we are none of His; in fact we are accursed (1 Cor. 16:22). If we love Him enough to be willing to suffer trial for Him, we shall receive a "crown of life." Other things are promised to them who love Him. James 2:5: "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" "Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him" (Deut. 7). "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God" (Rom. 8:28). These things should stir us to love Him more and more.

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