November 11, 2024 - Hebrews 12

“Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:1-2).  What a lineup of faithful men and women we have just witnessed in chapter 11!  So many faithful people of God who, by their examples, encourage us, as Paul puts it, to run the race (I Corinthians 9).  I can think back in my life and could call out name after name – family members, dear friends, and church leaders – of those who have encouraged me in the Lord.  But, you know, as wonderful as all those are, our eyes ultimately are focused on Jesus.  He works in us by his Spirit to perfect us.  He does not require anything of us that he himself has not endured.  He endured the pain and the shame because he knew the joy that would be his.   We, too, consider the great joy that will be ours in heaven, and we run the race with a sure hope.

My faith looks up to Thee,

Thou Lamb of Calvary,

Savior divine! . . .

May Thy rich grace impart

strength to my fainting heart,

my zeal inspire;

as Thou hast died for me,

O may my love to Thee

pure, warm, and changeless be,

a living fire.   -- Ray Palmer (1830)