“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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary or lose heart” (Heb. 12:1-3).
Toiling through difficulty is made easier when we realize that others have succeeded and that they are cheering us on. Remember the Alamo! Be stirred by the national anthem. The writer of Hebrews is referring to the heroes of faith in chapter 11. They made it to the finish line through faith and perseverance, and so can we. As the greatest example of suffering and endurance, we consider Jesus. He did no wrong but suffered horribly so that we might not be punished for our sins. When the world mistreats us, remember those hours of suffering on the cross.
The penman of Hebrews also wrote, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Heb. 10:35-36).
Every time we take the Lord’s Supper we are reminded of Jesus’ love and sacrifice (1 Cor. 11:23-26). We remember his perseverance for us. Along with the saved of all ages, Jesus awaits us at the finish line.
Stay tuned…
To be a child of God is the greatest privilege we have, but we also have responsibility. May God bless us all as we work with his Spirit to develop the character the Father expects of his children. TC
