Hebrews 12
Scripture
Hebrews 12:1-2 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 perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of 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.
Observation-What does it say?
Beginning in Hebrews 10:39 we see a picture of faith that does not give up, despite all the troubles that surround us. This faith is an ongoing confident reliance on God. We learn that we should give up on everything, good or bad, that distracts us from God. We see Christ as the ultimate example of what this means, giving up life and suffering death on the cross. Additionally, we learn to accept suffering in this present life as correction from a loving father. To suffer better, we learn to have discipline like that of an athlete, who is willing to suffer in the short term for their reward.
Understanding-What does it mean?
I used to follow running like most people follow football or baseball. I was on the internet everyday checking stats and message boards about the latest news. One year in particular, I followed a group of three men who were all trying to make it to the finals of the World Championship 5000 meter track race. What made this more interesting is they all trained together, and they had all grown up only miles apart in Wisconsin. They posted videos of their background, and different clips of training and racing leading up to the finals.
One of the hardest videos to watch in the series was a segment on their training in St. Moritz, Switzerland. St. Moritz is a high altitude city and ski resort. I had never heard of St. Moritz before watching the video, but the best way I could describe it is storybook perfection. The mountains in the background are awe inspiring, there is a castle in the city that looks like Disneyland was designed after it, and the forest around the city is lush and green. From the runners' descriptions, it was an outside lover's paradise.
What made it so hard to watch was when they described their daily routine: wake up, do a morning run, eat, take a nap, stay inside, do an afternoon run, eat, go to bed, repeat tomorrow. They all described how bored they were, while they were living in one of the most beautiful places they had ever been. Because of their goal, they couldn't take the chance of getting hurt. Therefore, their coach would not allow them to do anything that could hurt them, including taking a walk to a nearby café.
In the best case scenario, even if those three runners placed first through third, only one of them is the winner. How much more amazing would it be to find that same type of discipline in the pursuit of Jesus. After the first few verses, the author of Hebrews discusses the discipline we need to receive our eternal prize and he describes that prize as a consuming fire. In 1 Corinthians 9:25, Paul writes, "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." I have to ask myself this, why not give up everything for Jesus? Ultimately, there is nothing in this life that can bring me the fulfillment that He does.
Life Application
Jesus, only You can satisfy everything that is lacking in me. Because of that, I want to be obsessively consumed with the pursuit of your presence. Until I take my last breath, I want to take the steps necessary to be qualified for the prize. Help me to hear you when you are telling me to let go of something in order to come closer to you. And on the day I meet you, Jesus, I want to hear you say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
-Tyler Galloway
Hebrews 11
SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 11: 3
“By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.”
OBSERVATION-What does it say?
The author in this chapter writes about the importance of faith. The author gives examples of the men and women that came before them that displayed great actions of faith. It is almost like the “Hall of Fame” or the “Mount Rushmore” of the men and women of the Bible, (particularly the Old Testament), who pleased God because of their faith in Him.
UNDERSTANDING-What does it mean?
Having faith requires actions.
All the men and women written in this chapter had faith. But how do I know they had faith? Because of their actions and response to God’s calling. They may not have seen God face to face, but they were willing to trust Him in whatever or wherever He was calling them or asking them to do. Whether it was Abraham packing up all his belongings and going to a land he’s never heard of or seen, or Noah building a HUGE boat and preparing for something that has never happened before-(the earth has never flooded, let alone had rain come down from the skies up to that point). These things required some sort of action or response. It was the actions of these men and women written about in this chapter that pleased God. It was their faith and trust in Him that allowed God to bless them so much. So…do my actions reflect my faith in God? When my life is over and all is said and done, can my name be written along the others mentioned in this chapter? 🤔
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
-Hebrews 11:6
LIFE APPLICATION
Do the actions in my life align with the faith that I have?
I pray that my life represents my faith in God. Let the words from my mouth and my actions in life bring glory and honor to You God. When times are rough, may others see The One I turn to for help. When You deliver me from my difficult circumstances, may others see Who I praise. May they see Your faithfulness, love, grace, and mighty hand in my life that leads them yearning for that same type of relationship with You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi
Hebrews 10
SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 10:35-36 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
OBSERVATION-What does it say?
The audience in Hebrews is in an apparent crises of faith. They are looking to go back to how things were before the good news of Jesus was revealed to them. In writing to a group of Jewish believers, the author is reminding them that there is no longer a need to turn back to the ways of sacrifice. Jesus, God’s son, was the ultimate sacrifice and did away with our need to cover our sin. Because of the work done at the cross, there is victory for those who remain faithful to the end of this life. Therefore, they are reminded that this life will pass and the rewards will come to those who endure.
UNDERSTANDING-What does it mean?
Because of my experience in my recreational pursuits, I often associate the idea of endurance and suffering with a degree of choice. I chose to run a marathon, therefore I also chose to learn to endure through training runs. But, endurance and suffering also has another side. In this life of uncertainty, people are often faced with suffering through pains due to simply being caught up in a circumstance they did not create. Innocent bystanders tragically caught in horrible accidents. Toddlers who get sick because their pre-school classmate decided to come to school sick. The list could go on forever.
I remember being at work and a coworker of mine asked, “How can you believe in God when there are so many bad things happening in this world?” At the time, I was twenty years old, I was a little bit stumped by his certainty that this was evidence that God did not care, or simply did not exist. I would be lying if I did not admit that I haven’t had the same question at times. Having suffered several tragic losses, I was tempted to turn away from the God I know to be so good. But, every time I would hear God saying to me that he was near.
Through tragedy, I am often reminded of the story of Job. Job was blameless in this world, and allowed to suffer for no reason. Through the loss of his family and all his possessions, Job remained faithful. At the end of his suffering, Job, speaking to God, says, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5) For Job, it wasn’t until he had endured such a great tragedy that he saw how great God truly is. Ultimately, God restored Job greater than before the suffering began.
LIFE APPLICATION
Jesus, draw near to me in time of turbulence. Help me to know that you are with me, so that I can draw nearer to you. Help me to keep my eyes on you in times of uncertainty, for I know your reward is coming.
-Tyler Galloway