Scripture
VS 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin let us run with endurance the race that is set before us
Vs 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross
Vs 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Vs 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord …”
Vs 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons.
VS 10 … he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
Vs 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Vs 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees …
vs 26 … he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”
Vs 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe
Observation
The author has built up the greatness of who Jesus is and the greatness of those faithful heroes of the past.
Given these truths, we are to now live well, with enduring faith, and disciplined righteousness.
The author also ends with a significant hope for the weary, yet faithful, reader.
Beyond His saving sacrifice, Jesus has promised to return and make all things right again in His kingdom!
Application
Why do I get frustrated when life is not wonderful?
Why should I expect things to be great and terrific all the time?
When have they ever been so? … for anybody? … Even the faithful heroes of the Bible? … Even for Jesus, Himself?!
The word “endure” is used a lot in this chapter. … But who wants to “endure” anything?!
“Enduring” sounds like struggling, suffering, or “just getting through” something.
There’s a better way to “endure”, though.
Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him”.
The author uses another word a lot in this chapter … “discipline”.
I need to accept whatever struggle comes my way as “discipline”.
“Discipline” is for my good. Discipline is a training … a forming … a shaping me into something.
If a block of marble could feel, certainly a chisel would hurt … but it becomes beautiful when an artist holds the chisel.
If clay could know pain, certainly being spun and shaped would seems cruel … until it was shaped into what it was made for.
I must “endure” whatever “discipline” comes my way, and do so trusting the Father is good.
Jesus endured the cross.
Yet, Jesus still promises the Kingdom.
When I feel most frustrated that things are miserable and need to be “shaken up”,
I can rest in hope that things will be.
Jesus will “shake things up” “once more”.
Everything will be made new … and right.
Therefore, today I can “lift my drooping hands” and “run the race with endurance” and “not grow weary”!
Prayer
Thank You, God, for your word
Thank you for the witnesses who’ve come before me
Thank you, Jesus, for salvation and your promises
Help me, Spirit, to live like I believe them
For your kingdom now and to come
In Jesus name
Amen