The New Year - Pt. 3

 

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. (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV).

 

The chapter before our reading today (Hebrews 11) provides an interesting list of the faithful men and women in biblical history. These are people who were able to see living possibilities where others only saw failure and little hope, who saw victory where others saw defeat, who saw what God could do when others saw the impossible. They not only saw with eyes of faith, but they also acted on that faith.

 

Each person mentioned here understood faith as a verb, as a spiritual muscle that allowed them to act. Faith helped them persevere even amid difficult circumstances—like Joseph in Egypt. They were able to step out into the unknown with courage and to take risks—like Rahab and Gideon. It shouldn’t surprise us where this list ends: with “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Jesus, Prince of peace. Jesus, Immanuel (“God with us”). Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords!

 

These men and women of faith, along with all those who are the children of God who have died, look on from heaven, watching our progress, cheering us on to greater faith. They have proven their hope. It has been fulfilled as they now have eternity ahead of them without any possibility of defeat or challenge.

 

As we look forward to a new year and the journey of life ahead of us, we can look back at people who have lived by faith, spiritual ancestors in Jesus’ extended family and many others who have been welcomed into the family of God. We can be encouraged by their stories. Even more, we can look forward to the One who looks encouragingly back at us, the One who came to die so that we could live with him forever.