Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Leviticus 17-18; Hebrews 12
Hebrews 12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Example of Jesus
12 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, 2 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.
3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children—
“My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
or lose heart when you are punished by him;
6 for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves,
and chastises every child whom he accepts.”
7 Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? 8 If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. 9 Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness. 11 Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.
Warnings against Rejecting God’s Grace
14 Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled. 16 See to it that no one becomes like Esau, an immoral and godless person, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 You know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, even though he sought the blessing with tears.
18 You have not come to something that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that not another word be spoken to them. 20 (For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to death.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”) 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
25 See that you do not refuse the one who is speaking; for if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject the one who warns from heaven! 26 At that time his voice shook the earth; but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what is shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe; 29 for indeed our God is a consuming fire.
What does this passage mean to me/us? Contributed by Debra LeBrun
As Holy Week draws near, the first few verses of Hebrews 12 are especially appropriate. It is clear that the people being addressed in this epistle were facing some struggles and hardships, and apparently their faith was wavering. The writer encourages them by reminding them to look to Jesus “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Certainly, Jesus faced the ultimate struggle and humiliation of being rejected by the world and being put to death on the cross. How then can we possibly complain or lose faith because of the hardships we face? As we recognize the sacrifice made by Jesus and the “great cloud of witnesses” that have gone before us, how can we do anything else but strive to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” It sounds like the writer is simply saying, “Quit your bellyaching and follow the path that God has set before you!”
Often, we want to skip right over Holy Week to the joy of Easter. To be sure, Easter Day and the Resurrection are reasons to rejoice, but we must not forget the importance of recognizing the pain and grief Jesus experienced. This is proof that God himself understands our human weaknesses and sufferings. Jesus being raised from the dead proves God’s power and majesty, but it is the suffering of Jesus that proves God’s love for us.
Prayer
Almighty God, you have come down to meet us in the messiness of this world. You have given us all we need to live a life full of meaning and joy and to be part of your Kingdom, but sometimes we would rather sit around and complain. Help us to find strength in remembering Jesus’ suffering for us. Help us to find encouragement in the “great cloud of witnesses” in heaven. May we commit ourselves to overcome our human weaknesses, to press on, and to follow Jesus’ example. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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