Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 12:1-2.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
This passage opens with a reference to “a great cloud of witnesses”, speaking of the faithful that preceded us, summarized in Hebrews Chapter 11. It uses the analogy of a long distance race to encourage us to “run with perseverance”, keeping our focus on Jesus regardless of what the world throws at us. He never wavered in His calling, and while we are weak, He can help us remain strong in our faith.
When I read this passage the image I get is this: God gave us the Law as guideposts to the course we should run. We ignored His instructions, ran the wrong direction, and used the signposts to beat each other. In His mercy, God sent His son to run before us that we might be able to follow the way set for us.
Jesus told us it wouldn’t be easy but we are to continue in faith because ”those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good“ (1 Peter 4:19). At the end of His race Jesus sat down at the right hand of God because the work was finished. May we finish well to join Him in our heavenly home.
Patient God, we have failed to love You and one another as You intended, but You made a way for us to be saved through Christ. Forgive us and bless us to be the bearers of the Good News to all Your children. Amen.
