Hebrews 12:1-2

Summary retelling of Hebrews 12:1-2

We are indeed a part of a massive community of people who demonstrate faithfulness towards God.  Therefore, let us put sin aside.  Let us embrace the goals that God sets for us and run towards them with all of our effort.  As we follow God, we should not lose sight of Jesus, who is the one through whom the perfection of our faith comes.  He was crucified for us, despised the shame of death, and ascended to be seated at God’s right hand.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

We are a part of an incredible community of believers.  God has been working among humanity for thousands of years.  That’s hundreds of generations of people in hundreds if not thousands or tens of thousands of locations throughout the world.  It is an incredible and astounding number when you think about it.  {At the same time, though, remember just how many people have lived on the whole earth over that time.  As large as the number of believers may be, there is still work to do!}

Have you ever felt alone in your faith?  How do you feel now after reading this section and this thought?  Why is it easy to feel alone?

Second Thought:

Because we have so many witnesses to the faith, we really should put our sin aside.  Other people have struggled against sin to live righteously according to God’s ways.  We have incredible examples in the faith about people who put aside the ways of this world and embraced godly living.  We have wonderful examples of people who devoted their life following God’s pursuits.  They gave their all for God.  If they can do it, so can we!

What do you give to God?  Do you still have any sin that needs to be put aside?

Third Thought:

Our focus should clearly be on Jesus.  Jesus is the model for the godly life.  Jesus is the one who died so that we have the hope of perfection in the life to come.  Jesus is the reason that we can be in a relationship with God and have the Holy Spirit within us.  When it comes to salvation, we should not lose sight of Jesus ever!

Is it easy to get focused on things other than Jesus and His calling?  Can we even get sidetracked by things that seem good?  How does this help us remember to make sure that everything we do is rooted in Christ’s calling for us?

Passage for Tomorrow: Hebrews 12:3-6