Look to Jesus

Hebrews 12:1-2

          1      Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
          2      fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

"[Look to Jesus]...That's the Christian religion in a nutshell isn't it?" (Pastor Jeremy Cagle, Suffering with Christ).

The book of Hebrews proclaims the message, "Jesus is better". The opening portion of verse 1 in chapter 12 references back to chapter 11. Those saints bear witness to the hope of God: Christ and our eternity in and with Him. Verses 39-40 of chapter 11 say,

          39      And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
          40      because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

Because of Christ, us believers will one day be made perfect in Christlikeness (Rom. 8). Christ Himself and His glory is the end and hope towards which we strive. As a note, when I say, "hope", I do not mean something that might happen. Rather, hope Biblically defined is that which will certainly be brought about (cf. Heb. 6:9-20 & context).

Meditate on the rest of Hebrews 12:1-2. You, Christian, are in a race. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27:

          24      Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
          25      Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
          26      Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
          27      but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

With reference to the passage above, the victory for believers is the intimate knowledge of Christ Himself, for His glory! He is worthy for us to run all-out. Spend your lives on Christ (Matt. 16:24-28), knowing that His grace is sufficient (Rom. 6; 2 Cor. 12). Jesus is "the author and perfecter of faith". He, our "captain of salvation" (2:10) has blazed the trail ahead for us. He gives us faith (Eph. 2:1-10).

          24      Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,
          25      to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. - Jude 24-25

Romans 15:13 is my prayer for you:

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

For further reading, perhaps read one of the following passages a day for the next week: Ps. 121; Phil. 3, 4:13; 2 Cor. 5; 2 Tim 4:6-8, Heb. 11 & 1 Pet. 1.

New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Heb 12:1–2, 11:39-40; 1 Co 9:24-27; Jud 24-25; Ro 15:13). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
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