Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1)
Have you ever been to a major sports event? Did you notice that the best seats are always reserved for the most distinguished spectators? Well this week the writer of Hebrews gets us into the elite section of the stadium, which is normally reserved for the chosen few. Our author is well aware of the struggles the Jews have endured because of their monotheistic faith. Now these outcasts are not only forsaken by the world; their own people reject them because they believed the promises of God. They have been willing to let go of tradition for truth. We may think that this is a simple task, but let me assure you, I’m confident that most of the church world would struggle with their faith if they were asked to forsake many of our pagan-founded traditions. These believers were not just giving up worldly customs; they were forsaking a life’s system of beliefs that was the anchor of their religion. Circumcision, sacrifices, obedience to the Law to gain righteousness, all these were now obsolete. The only thing that remained was faith in God and His promises.
As we enter into the Hall of Faith, we gaze with respect and admiration at the men and women who trusted God through amazing circumstances. Each one would be worthy of our time and contemplation. We could stop and consider Abel’s better sacrifice. Not better because it was a sheep, but because it was offered by faith. Cain’s sacrifice of the fruit of the land would have been quite acceptable if it was presented out of his trust in God. God had not demanded any certain kind of sacrifices, and even the Law, which came later, not only recognized blood sacrifices, but produce as well. How could a man who walked so close to God that he was taken from this earth without dying not impress one? Enoch’s belief in the coming judgment at the end of time is spoken of thousands of years later and his prophecies give us insight into God’s plan for him in the last days. But we’ll look more at that later. And what a contrast is seen between Noah, whose faith condemned the world and Abraham, whose faith brought the Seed of Salvation into the world.
Of all the faithful heroes, the Holy Spirit lingers a bit longer when He speaks of Abraham. We know Abraham believed God’s word that promised him an inheritance and an heir, but have you ever considered the depth of Abraham’s faith? Why did God wait so long to give him the promised seed? We are clearly told that Abraham was old and as good as dead!!! I’m sure I don’t have to give a biology lesson for you to understand what that means. And Sarah was well past menopause; so all hope was also gone in that department. What kind of faith did Abraham need in order to believe God would give him offspring through Sarah? The answer is quite profound – he needed faith in the resurrection power of God! I have no doubt that this experience was the catalyst that encouraged Abraham to obediently place Isaac, his son of promise, on the altar when God required it of him. Once again Abraham was confronted with the test of his faith. And what did that faith require? Once again, it required Abraham to trust God for resurrection power! When you boil Abraham’s faith down, Abraham believed IN THE RESURRECTION!!!
Unlike some of the teachings of today that tell us true faith will make everything turn out happy and positive, we find that many of our role models died having never received what they hoped for. True faith has the ability to look beyond this world into the realm of eternity. Godly faith understands that there are times when letting go of freedom, life, prosperity, and things that we think will give us happiness requires greater trust in God than obtaining our desires.
As we run our race on this earth, the grandstands are filled with people who are cheering us on. They are not just observers of the race, they are ones who have run it and know what it takes to win! They understand the necessity of fixing your eyes on the goal and not losing precious time looking at your opponent. That’s what makes our “Journeys Through the Word” so special. With each chapter and each new character, we hear the encouragement of those who have stripped away the things of this world so they could run the race. These victorious spectators are now cheering us on and calling out to us to never give up or give in. Hopefully we are hearing their voices.
As you complete your walk through the pages of Hebrews and begin to read Peter’s letter, I hope you hear his shouts of encouragement to finish your course. Peter’s words are so much more powerful when you put them in light of his life. It was to Peter Jesus said,
Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:17-18)
I have no doubt that Peter understood the play on his name and the comparison Jesus was using. The word “rock” spoke of massive bedrock. The name “Peter” signified a small stone that helped to make up the bedrock. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians puts this all in perspective for us.
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being guilt together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Remembering and understanding these things cause Peter’s words to take on even great significance when he writes
And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For this is contained in Scripture; “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and He who believes in Him will not be disappointed. This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,” And “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. (I Peter 2:4-8)
If anyone can preach to us about stones, certainly Peter can!!! God give us the ears to not only hear his word, but to discern the heart of the Spirit by which he spoke them. Open the eyes of our heart Lord!
No comments:
Post a Comment