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.
Hebrews 12:1-3Hebrews 12:1-3
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
A Large Crowd of Witnesses 12 1 Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. 2 We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side e right side: See the note at . of God's throne! 3 So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won't get discouraged and give up.
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I have a friend who has lived a very difficult life. A mother of several children and the wife of a drug addict, she has seen and known times the likes of which most of us will never experience. She has watched some of her children follow the path of their afflicted father, powerless to convince them to climb out of the downward spiral of drug addiction and depravity. She has taken her children to church on her own. She has sung in the choir, taught children about the love of Her Savior in Bible studies, and returned home from a crowded worship service to the emptiness and loneliness of a broken home. She has worked tirelessly at her job to provide the basics of life for her children, while watching her hard-earned money drain from her bank account at the exploits of a selfish husband and father. She eventually ended up losing her marriage, her house, her job, and many of her dreams to the consequences of her husband’s sin.
On my most difficult days, I often thought of her and knew that regardless of how discouraged I felt by my circumstances, I had absolutely nothing to complain about in comparison with her. There is always someone worse off than we are! And I guess the thing that stands out to me more than anything else about my friend and the saga she has lived is the fact that she responded to her trials with such grace. She always had a smile on her face, always! Despite the inner turmoil she faced day in and day out, she was always quick to lend a hand to others and to serve her Lord. To this day I still am inspired by her example of hope and joy in the face of such heartache.
Hebrews 12 reminds us that there is Another who endured a lot, considerably more than my friend or you and I will ever have to endure. He suffered the cross. He endured the ridicule and shame and rejection of those He came to love and save. He persevered through the beatings and injustice and murder with tenderness, compassion, and incomparable selfless-ness. Jesus gave up the safety of heaven for the joy of dying for you, so that you can one day enjoy the comfort of heaven eternally with Him.
The next time you are tempted to be defeated or discouraged by your circumstances, remember what Jesus endured for you. Let that motivate you to lay aside every weight, every incumberance, every temptation to sin, so that you can run with patience and perseverance the rest of the journey that lies before you. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith, our Deliverer. He came and did absolutely everything necessary to win and obtain your eternal freedom, regardless of how your present situation may appear or feel. You are delivered through the death and resurrection of Jesus! You are free.
Even in His dying breath, Jesus looked at those who were watching Him hanging on that cross and He had compassion on them. He delivered them as well as you and I. He said, “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing.” His heart of love defies comprehension.
We who have been delivered must help others see and accept their delivery as well. Jesus came to save us all and He doesn’t want anyone to perish. May we all cherish our Deliverer and all He did for us. May His utter grace be reflected in our lives as well. May we not grow weary. May we look to Jesus and take heart!
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