TGIF
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
I’ve read a biography of Hudson Taylor, a Christian missionary to China in the mid-1800’s. He suffered greatly, enduring poverty, physical violence and more for the sake of people hearing about Jesus.
There are hundreds of millions of believers today across the majority of nations. All of our salvations built upon those who came before. The Apostles, the pastors and evangelists, the ordinary Christians who proclaimed the gospel in word and deed. In peace and war, feast and famine.
We are all in debt to those who go before us. Hebrews 12 has in mind those Old Testament saints (catalogued in chapter 11) who persevered by faith, trusting in the promises of God.
But the wonderful picture is that these Old Testament saints cheer us on. They are urging us to run with perseverance the race before us. They serve as examples of God’s faithfulness and His ability to keep those who are His in the hardest circumstances.
Are you struggling at the moment? Are you finding faith hard? Are you tired?
Can I encourage you to consider those who went before you. And above all, to fix your eyes on Christ who endured far worse than we will ever experience, but didn’t give up. He too is with you and cheering you on. So take heart and keep going!
For Today:
Pray:
Hebrews 12:1-3
I’ve read a biography of Hudson Taylor, a Christian missionary to China in the mid-1800’s. He suffered greatly, enduring poverty, physical violence and more for the sake of people hearing about Jesus.
There are hundreds of millions of believers today across the majority of nations. All of our salvations built upon those who came before. The Apostles, the pastors and evangelists, the ordinary Christians who proclaimed the gospel in word and deed. In peace and war, feast and famine.
We are all in debt to those who go before us. Hebrews 12 has in mind those Old Testament saints (catalogued in chapter 11) who persevered by faith, trusting in the promises of God.
But the wonderful picture is that these Old Testament saints cheer us on. They are urging us to run with perseverance the race before us. They serve as examples of God’s faithfulness and His ability to keep those who are His in the hardest circumstances.
Are you struggling at the moment? Are you finding faith hard? Are you tired?
Can I encourage you to consider those who went before you. And above all, to fix your eyes on Christ who endured far worse than we will ever experience, but didn’t give up. He too is with you and cheering you on. So take heart and keep going!
For Today:
- Have you ever read a Christian biography? Check out Bonhoeffer by Metaxas for a good starting point.
- Is there an older Christian who has encouraged you by their faith?
- Read Hebrews 11 today and reflect on God’s faithfulness.
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He rewards those who trust in Him.
- Give thanks for Jesus who endured the cross for the sake of saving His people.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others persevere and reach the finish line.
Posted in Thank God It\'s Friday
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