Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-14 (CEB)
So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, 2 and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.
3 Think about the one who endured such opposition from sinners so that you won’t be discouraged and you won’t give up. 4 In your struggle against sin, you haven’t resisted yet to the point of shedding blood, 5 and you have forgotten the encouragement that addresses you as sons and daughters:
My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline
or give up when you are corrected by him,
6 because the Lord disciplines whomever he loves,
and he punishes every son or daughter whom he accepts.[a]
7 Bear hardship for the sake of discipline. God is treating you like sons and daughters! What child isn’t disciplined by his or her father? 8 But if you don’t experience discipline, which happens to all children, then you are illegitimate and not real sons and daughters. 9 What’s more, we had human parents who disciplined us, and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live? 10 Our human parents disciplined us for a little while, as it seemed best to them, but God does it for our benefit so that we can share his holiness. 11 No discipline is fun while it lasts, but it seems painful at the time. Later, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness for those who have been trained by it.
12 So strengthen your drooping hands and weak knees! 13 Make straight paths for your feet so that if any part is lame, it will be healed rather than injured more seriously. 14 Pursue the goal of peace along with everyone—and holiness as well, because no one will see the Lord without it.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
Contributed by Larry Dickenson
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer 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.” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)
Lent is upon us once again. The season of Christmas is just past, the season of celebration, light, peace, joy and hope. Last year is out, the new year is in. We are busy…new plans, resolutions, school semesters, calendars. Winter is fading, early flowers emerging, Burpee seed catalogues awaiting new orders, lawn & garden shops humming. Yet as disciples of Jesus, we are confronted with this season of Lent. Forty-seven days leading up to Easter, with the Cross always casting its long shadow.
From the first time I read Hebrews 12, it spoke to me in a special way. The “cloud of witnesses” surrounding me and cheering me on, affirming that living is difficult, but living in Christ is worth the trouble. I think of the saints, large and small, known and unknown, living out their faith while on earth, many in far away places, but also many in our own congregation (too many to count)! My desire and my hope, is to live out this life well by faith and grace in Jesus Christ, and live out eternity as one among that cloud of witnesses. But for now, this season of Lent, I will be doing my best to keep my eyes daily fixed on Jesus and the Cross.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You have extended me the greatest gift, grace. Keep me in Your care and mercy. Pour Your Holy Spirit into my being through this Lent season, so that I am able to follow You as a disciple, throwing off everything that hinders me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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