Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 12:1-2.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
While scholars debate whether this letter was actually written by Paul, we can see his lessons in what is written here. Paul used the example of a runner in 2 Timothy 4:7, saying “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” This agrees completely with the first verse of this passage, reminding us to look to our ancestors of the faith and to be an example for those who come after us.
The crowd of witnesses the letter refers to are the examples we are to follow. David sings in Psalms 16:3 “The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!” People of faith can be an inspiration to all around them. As Christians we need to be aware the world is watching!
Pastor and author Eugene Petersen asks of our faith journey “Are we pilgrims or merely tourists?” If we are just here for the main points and pictures, we are not likely to get it. God wants all of us collectively and all of us as individuals. When we give our lives to Him, He can use our faith in marvelous ways.
Gracious God, we are thankful for those who have gone before, showing us the way. May we be pilgrims and an example to those yet to come. Amen.
