Day 823: Looking to Jesus - Hebrews 12 vs 1 - 4

1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3-4 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or faint-hearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Hebrews 12:1-4 English Standard Version

In the previous chapter the writer of Hebrews gave many examples of people who had set off on the journey of faith hoping to enter into things God had promised. But he ended it by saying that all those people “though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised - since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” He also said that many of them experienced great suffering because they chose to believe in God and do what He called them to do. The answer to what might be a puzzling situation is in those words “God had provided something better for us; that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” So the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise is not any temporary blessings we enjoy in this world, but the eternal life in the new creation at Christ's return.

This was an important truth to remind his readers of. They ware mainly Jewish people who had believed the promise of forgiveness of sin through faith in Jesus Christ, and had chosen to follow Him. But it had led to great hardship in their lives. Some had been put in prison and some had their homes confiscated. So what picture does the writer set before them for the journey of faith? (vs 1-2)

He compares it to an athlete taking part in a marathon race. The 'cloud of witnesses' he refers to may be a reference to the saints who'd gone before them that he spoke about in Chapter 11. In a similar way we sometimes use heroes of the past to encourage people today to be brave in difficult situations. What are two key factors that a runner in any marathon race should adopt to help them endure to the end? (Vs 1-2)

They should throw aside anything that would weigh them down and slow their pace. In the case of Christians this means putting away any known sins in our life, be they the sin of covetousness or the sin of cowardice. Secondly, they should keep their mind focused on the prize that awaited them. He says it was because Jesus kept in mind 'the joy that was set before Him' that He was able to endure all the bitter experiences He went through. Just before He was betrayed and led off to go through the agony of crucifixion, He prayed: “Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” (John 17:5) He believed that tremendous joy awaited Him after His life and sufferings on earth.

So what was the application the writer made to the Hebrew Christians? (vs 3-4)

As they ran the marathon race of faith, they were to keep their eyes firmly fixed on Jesus Christ. Yes, their sufferings were real and they would’ve had times of pain and sorrow. But, in their case, it seems they had not experienced martyrdom. They had not shed their blood as Christ did. I don't think he was making light of their trials. No-one wants to lose a home or be banished from taking part in the communal life of a town. But, at the end of the day, our property, possessions and comforts are not as crucial as the eternal life God has promised in Christ. The glory and the joy that awaits believers at the end of their journey will outshine and outweigh any, and all, of the good things they may have prized in this world.

Do you really believe that with all your heart? If so, keep the eyes of your heart upon Jesus Christ each and every day as you run the race of faith.