"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 and lose heart."
Chapter 11 of Hebrews is sometimes called "the Hall of Faith," as it relates stories about Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Samson, Gideon, David, Samuel, and others. So chapter 12 starts off with, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses..." Perhaps that means that this group of heroes sometimes peer with God into our lives? I don't know, but the context implies that we are to be encouraged, considering those men and women.
Then, we are told to consider Jesus, Who endured "such opposition from sinful men." You can imagine the opposition He took -- physical and verbal abuse. Knowing that He had it worse can motivate us not to whine and complain so much.
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when He rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines those He loves,
and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son."
Instead of thinking that God must "hate us," because we are facing hardship; we should instead acknowledge that He loves us.
"Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."
These are real-life reminders that offer me advice and correction as I travel on my journey of faith. Bitterness is something that can fester like a disease. Joy is contagious. Enduring hardship as discipline helps us grow. The 12th chapter ends with a balancing word that we don't often hear today:
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at March 6, 2006 08:49 AM