looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 WEB
Chapter twelve of Paul’s letter to the Hebrews begins with the reasoning behind holding steadfast to faith in Christ. In chapter eleven, Paul gave many examples of faithful figures from history. He mentions Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Also, he includes Joseph, Moses, and Rahab the prostitute. Continuing, in Hebrews 11:32 Paul wrote, “What more shall I say? For the time would fail me if I told of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. WEB”
Paul then details the triumphs accomplished by these faithful figures. Of their victories he wrote in Hebrews 11:33-34, “who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked out righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, grew mighty in war, and caused foreign armies to flee. WEB” Also, Paul reminds his readers of the difficulties encountered by these heroes of faith.
Set Sin Aside
Only then did Paul write in Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us. WEB” Here, Paul points to the multitude of living witnesses to the miraculous life, death, and resurrection of Christ. His plea is that with all of the proof of God’s goodness in Christ, his readers should devote themselves completely to the Lord in perfect faith.
The Word of God, Jesus Christ, is the perfecter of faith. But why is Jesus the perfecter of faith? Christ is the perfecter of faith because when we follow him faithfully we purposely live in obedience to the word and will of God. Jesus gave us the perfect example of a Godly life. It is by God and through Christ that we receive correction for our errors. Jesus is the perfecter of faith because those who follow him resist sin in obedience to our heavenly Father.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the example set by my Lord and Savior. Thank you for the witness of your holy word. Lead me away from temptation and into your heavenly kingdom. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Sent From God
