October 23 | Hebrews 12:1-2

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DAILY READING

Hebrews 12:1-2

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REFLECTION

By Judy Webb

“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 endurance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our 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.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

We can scarcely study this text without reading chapter 11 first. To grasp the impact of Hebrews 12:1-2 we need some backstory. When I first read verse 39, I was stunned. I must have just glazed over these words in the past: “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.” (v39) Understanding all which these saints accomplished by faith yet not having their own fulfilled dreams must have been disappointing. But their faith was sufficient. Their dreams were left hanging, but their own faith kept them strong to persevere as they continued to run the race marked out for them.

Standing on tiptoes on a mountain side, perhaps they could see the Promised Land in the distance. Like you and I when we fall short of a particular goal, we say, “near, and yet so far.” It may have been within our grasp but just wasn’t meant to be…at this time. So where does this leave you and I? We all have dashed dreams, unfulfilled desires. Will they too be left behind where we can only glimpse them from a distance? Could be.

We only need to insert our names after the words…”by faith _____”. By faith, I survived temptation, by faith she, fixed her eyes on Jesus. By faith, he pressed on toward the cross despite the pain of divorce, financial ruin, rejection, disgrace or disease. So, hang on, hold fast to the One who makes all things new. All that which we have overcome because of Christ we can now use to give testimony. Our faith is a witness we are to share so as to inspire the next generation, and then the next.

PRAYER

Lord, you know I have never been one to enjoy running, but this is different. You have already won this race and the prize. I merely need to follow in your steps and keeping moving forward. The prize waiting for us is more than we deserve, and more than we can imagine. Help us to keep focused on Jesus and the life which awaits us. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.