Today’s Bible Reading:
Isaiah 22-24; Hebrews 12
Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:
Topic: Faith
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 12:1-3
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 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author 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. 3 Consider him who endured
such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose
heart.
(Heb 12:1-3 NIV)
OBSERVATION:
The “great cloud of
witnesses” to whom the writer of Hebrews is referring, is the collective people
of faith spoken of in Hebrews 11 who had previously lived and died. Well known
names like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Rahab… Unnamed people who suffered
persecution, torture and grisly executions… These are the great cloud of witnesses by whom people of faith today are surrounded.
Certainly the faith and perseverance of those who have gone
before us serve as witnesses and encouragement to us, but the wording here,
that we are “surrounded” by those who
have gone before, seems to indicate that they are able to see us and witness
what we do, how we persevere, how we live and die by faith.
APPLICATION:
Those who have lived before us, and often suffered greatly,
are not dead and gone. They are still alive in the heavenly realm. Therefore,
let us live up to the standard they have set. Let us face our challenges and
hardships with the same courage, faith and perseverance. Yet however much we
revere our forbears, let us remember that our hope and strength comes not from
them, as encouraging as their examples may be, but only as we “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of our faith.”
PRAYER:
Lord when I see how your presence
has enabled others who have gone before me, my faith is bolstered. Thank You
that I too may look to You. As You reveal to me anything that hinders or
entangles, may I have the resolve to throw it off and complete the race You
have marked out for me. Through Christ. Amen. –AP
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