Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)
Our Christian journey here is compared to a race of faith being run by each follower of Jesus Christ. A long distance marathon of faith. We have over the past few weeks discussed the superiority of Christ over all the former priests, His superiority over the angels, and His superiority over the prophets. The writer of Hebrews has been laying forth the case for the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no other way to God; except, through the atoning blood of Christ. Our faith is built upon God’s very Word that He has provided the propitiation for our sin through the death of His only begotten son, Jesus Christ who bore our sins upon the cross.
Throughout chapter 11 of Hebrews the writer has named the faith heroes from the old testament. Of note, any of you who have studied the old testament are very aware of the imperfections of each of these men. Yet, by faith they are listed on this faith Hall of Fame detailed by the writer of Hebrews. Not a one of these men saw the complete fulfillment of God’s promise; yet, everyone had stepped out believing that God was faithful to fulfill that promise. They looked for the coming of the Savior. Down through the corridors of time; they stood as testimony of what was to come. By Faith they believed that God is the Sovereign Creator of the Universe and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. They were mortal men who awaited the fulfillment of God’s Promise of Salvation. Certainly, along that journey there were many miracles performed as refreshing signs of God’s faithfulness; just, as we have along our journeys of faith. Still, those signs and wonders are nothing compared to that which is to come when we stand in His Presence washed by His Blood and clothed in His Righteousness and Glory.
Of these heroes from the past the writer of Hebrews says,
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13 (NKJV)
He carefully points out that many of these men of faith did see miracles performed here on earth that gave comfort to their weary souls as they journeyed onward; yet, there were some for whom their journey of faith lead to trials, suffering, pain and even death.
Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. Hebrews 11: 35-40 (NKJV)
Two important lessons we see from these verses.
1. Each journey of faith is different. Some may seem to have lives that appear to be more blessed with earthly miracles; while, others seem to have lives filled with great sacrifice and suffering. Yet, those of us who face the greatest sacrifices are not less loved; in some ways they were the ones for which he wrote, “the world was not worthy of these men and women of faith.” Never compare your faith journey with that of another! Do not be envious nor proud. Each believer’s journey is different by God’s design and only He knows what each individual’s heart needs to be able to see His Glory, bathe in His Love and to become filled with His Joy. God’s Amazing Grace has a different plan for each of us who have been Graced with being His Adopted Children. Some may journey through great trials and others may not; either way, God’s plan is a perfect plan of love for each.
2. Jesus Christ, the Messiah for whom they awaited is the “something better we have been provided”. Through Him, the Old Testament patriarchs were redeemed as well. They believed in the promise of His coming. They were not saved by works of their own hands. They too were saved by faith.
As we look back over the faith patriarchs of the past; we must recognize that Christ is superior to them all as well. He is the author of our faith. Without Him, there is no hope of faith for those of the past nor for us. He is the object of our faith, the beginning of our faith, the fulfilled covenant promise of God for a Savior, He is God’s Word fulfilled.
So, now having looked back over the faith hall of Fame provided in chapter 11; we must turn our eyes to Jesus Christ so that we might run with endurance the race set before us. We too have a cloud of witnesses watching us!! Every person we meet, ever chance encounter, our children, our grand-children, our co-workers and every stranger that reads our writing or hears our voice are witnesses to our marathon race of faith.
Ah, but we will go even further into the rich message of the first 3 verses of chapter 12 next time. Until then, let me encourage you that as you grow weary along this marathon; take time to be nourished by God’s words, be refreshed through time alone with Him in prayer, and whenever you feel too weary, just sit at His feet a little while. Next time, we will discuss How to Run This Marathon of Faith Called Life.
So, how do we prepare? Study God’s Word, Spend time in Prayer, Remember the Faith Patriarchs who went before us, and most importantly Look to Jesus Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith.
[bctt tweet=”Life is a marathon that we each must run! Let’s cheer each other on with hope, joy and love.” username=”effiedarlene”]
The Song I chose for you today is: We Will Run The Race
Picture used by permission: https://unsplash.com/@tikkho
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.