Do Not Grow Weary

“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. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
~Hebrews 12:1-3

It has been said somewhere that the story of our earthly pilgrimage is finished only in the lives of others we have loved and led, influenced and inspired. Something like that can be said of the two last chapters of Hebrews. Chapters twelve and thirteen finish with a lengthy appeal from these heroes of the faith. The goal of Hebrews 11 is not just history but is forcefully challenging us with examples of these heroes of the faith. That is why Hebrews 12 begins with the key word "therefore," and it is “there for” us to take a deep breath as some actionable life changes are coming our way. We must deal with the implication of what we have learned, applying the lessons of these heroes of faith where we live in the here and now.

There are several points of note from Hebrews 12:1-3, beginning with the context of the Christian life. Context being the key to interpretation, the questions are these: What is the context in which you as a Christian should interpret life? Do you think of yourself as living in a secular society, with its clear evidence of materialism,  sensuality, and relativism? Do your think of yourself as part of a particular enterprise or organization, with its mandates to conformity? Do you think of yourself as a son or daughter in the family of your birth, the neighborhood where you currently live? However you perceive the context or arena of your life will dramatically shape your manner of living.

The writer of Hebrews suggest something far different, that Christians should consider themselves as “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses” who bear testimony to faith in the Lord. If you are a believer, he says, this is the context in which you should see yourself. This is the group you align with and whose approval you should desire. The writer of Hebrews does not see these as dead people but as living witnesses to be heard. Although they are long dead, they are living still, and what was said of Abel can be said of them all: “By faith he still speaks, even though he is dead” (Heb. 11:4).

Hebrews 12:1 concludes by telling us that God has laid out a course for our lives. There are places we are to go, things we are to do, and challenges we are to confront. We do not know where this path winds on its way to heaven, nor is it important for us to know. Our calling is to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Hebrews 12:2 gives encouragement for the Christian life: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.” There is no circumstance, no difficulty, no temptation we face or will ever face where this phrase fails as a reliable guide. This is the Christian life, the encouragement we need for our faith, to place our eyes not on the world with its enticements and threats, nor even on our petty success and many failures, but on Him who is the source and fountain of all our spiritual energy, “the founder and perfecter of our faith.” Jesus is our example of perseverance and also of our spiritual joy.

Hebrews 12:3 provides a cure for weary hearts: “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Our problem is already anticipated with a prescription for its cure. How do we consider Jesus? By consulting what the Bible says about Jesus! We read the Gospel accounts and learn what Jesus said and did and how God delivered Him. We read the explanation from the Epistles of the significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. In the Old Testament we see Christ in His work, as He prophesied and is represented by various types and symbols.

Christian, what is weighing down (slowing or defeating) the progress that could potentially launch your relational effectiveness, leadership, and your personal ministry to greater heights?

DeWitt Pace, Elder