As we begin this twelfth chapter the author "therefores" us back to the "Hall of Faith". A good rule for reading the scriptures is when you come to the word, "therefore" look at what comes before it to find the source of the reasoning behind the next comment. In this case the therefore is the amazing faith witness of the saints that have gone before us. "THEREFORE, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2 NRSV. The saints that went before us with such powerful witness laid aside all of the weight and sin, so now we also must follow their example and follow Christ!
I see the author of Hebrews calling for us to toughen up and lean into the faith we are called to. After all, we have not yet shed blood for our faith, and the discipline of the Lord is a sign that we are God's children!
I often lose sight of the awesome reverence of our God. Perhaps we have sung "What a Friend we Have in Jesus" and songs like this too often. maybe we have heard to many sermons on grace and unconditional love. We need all of that, but it must be tempered with the holiness and righteousness and power of the living God. I think one of the great gifts of this read through Hebrews for me is a renewed call to spiritual holiness. Thanks for making this journey with me and helping me to be reminded of this higher call!
About Me
- Pastor Bill
- I am a committed follower of Jesus Christ, a happy husband, father and grandfather!
5 comments:
Hi Pastor Bill,
I left [or thought I did] a message on Saturday that I was going to do a sermon on "Hebrews 12" Sunday at Sunset, I used some of your commentary as it was well emphasized. I also loved Lynn's sermon on "Hebrews 13" Sunday. It proves that when your heart is in the right place with the Holy Spirit the word of God can flow non-stop.
He Servant!
I am excited that you got to preach Sunday and I am glad Lynn brought the Word from Hbrews 13. My vacations are restful knowing the fellowship is in good hands! Thanks for your faithful service!
Bill
Wow, what a great point, Bill. Hebrews has definitely brought sight of how powerful God is, and how important it is to have Faith. What a great testament in the last chapter with the Hall of Faith - how cool would it be to be a part of that history?
God is all powerful, and it is great to emphasize love. We are in a world that needs love more than anything, but can never find it. The church, and especially Jesus offer that love, and it's one thing Jesus offers that no one else can, un-conditional, always-on LOVE.
But, now that we definitely have that in our heart, it is good to remember his power. Maybe it'll keep us from slipping up, eh?
God bless, and thanks so much for the journey.
Marsh
Hey Marshall!
Praying for you both as you student teach and enjoy marital bliss.
Love Bill
I like verse 15: "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God." I hope that's the work we are about, but sometimes I don't think we think about it that way, forget how much everyone needs it like we need it.
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