LEARNING DAILY

Hebrews 12:1-2, Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

The walk on the narrow way is not a sprint; it is a long-distance run, a marathon, that takes perseverance and endurance. Hebrews, chapter 11 is known for the Israelites who lived their lives in faith, trusting God. If you would go back and read what the author of Hebrews wrote about them you would see a common theme – they knew that on their own they could not live a life of faith. It is only because Jesus makes it possible to walk daily on this narrow path.

 The “great a cloud of witnesses” gives Believers today, examples of great faith, examples of walking with God, accomplishing amazing things. They also speak of facing hardships and difficulties as they walked with God in faith. Those listed in chapter 11 are given to be a reminder of God’s great love during difficult times as well as when believers experience victories. Each Believer needs to decide for themselves what he/she will do with that information.

The writer of Hebrews placed Jesus Christ as “the founder and perfecter of our faith”. His life on earth shows each Believer the need to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely”. He has run His race showing Believers the need to stop sinning, stop being self-centered, and walk the narrow way, doing the best they can to fulfill the purpose He has for them. He is the Believer’s example to resist temptations and face each day with joy. Believers face each day with the joy He gives, even when having to endure suffering because they know “everything works out for good, for His glory and His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

It is Jesus who spent time on this earth, knowing that His time would end on a cross. The writer of Hebrews wrote, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame”. Paul wrote in Philippians 2:8-11, “And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus ran His race with endurance; the people He came to redeem, did not recognize Him. They were looking for a Savior from the Romans, not a Savior for their sins. He endured being nailed to a cross and all the humiliation given Him not only by the Romans but the Jewish people. He was beaten, mocked and spit upon.

 Jesus is the Believer’s example of walking the narrow way in humility, dying to self, and the obedience to His Father in heaven. As a result, God highly exalted Him. The name of Jesus is honored and empowered above any other name on earth. Because of that ALL people will submit to Him – “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” – the greatest reward for the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only that. One day ALL people will admit that He is God and the Messiah. All of this will bring honor and glory to God, the Father!

The best takeaway from this is to declare Jesus to be the Savior of your life today. But the next step is to walk faithfully with Him on the narrow way into His kingdom, “running with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith”.