Hebrews 12: 1-2
A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the 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.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB2020
Once again I was led to Hebrews 12 by the Bible app. The Bible verse of the day was from later in the chapter. It was just one verse, so I always want to know the context. Therefore, I went back to the beginning of the chapter. That is where we begin our scripture for today. Hebrews is such a great and awesome book. Chapter 12 begins with a Therefore. I was taught when there is a therefore you ask the question; wherefore is that therefore there for? In order to answer that question we need to get some context. In the previous Chapter, Chapter 11, The apostle Paul gives us a list of the great men and women of faith throughout the Bible. Paul is saying we have these “heroes of the faith” as examples. They were flawed, sinful, average, regular people. “But God” used them in spite of their flaws. The key for them was they trusted who God was and they had great faith. Paul is saying we should have more. Because we have the knowledge that Christ the Messiah has come. He endured the cross and rose again. “Therefore” we have been left the power of the Holy Spirit to love and show our faith of this awesome gift given to us. That is why we can endure, because we have already won. Take solace in the victory of Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension. Share, through faith, in love, with all whom we meet this joy, this awesome gift of the redemptive victory of Christ.
Lord, we thank you for your perfect, redemptive sacrifice upon the cross. We thank you for your resurrection that proves you conquered death and assures us of eternal life with you as sons and daughters of your perfect Kingdom. Help us to draw strength from the faith of others who have gone before us. Help us to rely on the Holy Spirit to cultivate the words of love you have put on our lips to change the hearts of those we love that need to hear The Gospel message.
Shalom Blessings, Press In and Press On!