Engaging with Joy, Part 1

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2b

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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,

Insights: We are halfway through building our spiritual wall of faith with bricks of character through the book of Nehemiah. We are, however, going to pause for the next three weeks on that building project so that we can begin fixing our eyes on the cross of Easter.  This week we are going to be looking at the joy of Easter and specifically today and tomorrow we are going to be examining Hebrews 12:1-2b.  Notice with me the first phrase in this set of verses, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.”  Whenever you read Scripture and you come to the word “therefore” it is an instructive key to look at the preceding information.  In this case the entire eleventh chapter is to what the “therefore” of verse one is pointing us.  We call the eleventh chapter the “Hall of Faith” because it lists men and women like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, etc. who have proven their faith by their actions.  Their actions did not save them, their faith did, but their actions proved they had faith.  In fact, in verse four of the eleventh chapter we are told that Abel is still speaking to us even though he is dead because of his faithful actions.  Our lives are also surrounded by contemporary men and women who are witnesses to us.  It could be our parents or grandparents.  It could also be godly men and women who lived near us.  The point is we have witnessed and observed the lives of faithful Christ-followers who point us to the Savior Jesus.  Their love for Him was so great it convicts and challenges our lives to be obedient to Him.  In the same vain, our lives of faith ought to be leaving a legacy behind us as well.  We are to be witnesses to other people regarding our faith in the Lord Jesus.  Our lives and words ought to convict those who don’t have a relationship with Jesus to His salvific power.  At the same time our lives and words ought to be an encouragement to other Christians to remain faithful to their Lord.  This kind of life requires us to engage in the race and to do so with joy because of what Jesus has done for us.

Questions:

1. Who has been a witness surrounding you?
2. To whom are you being a witness surrounding them?

Prayer: Father, as we begin turning our eyes toward the cross in celebration of Easter, let me be mindful of the legacy I am leaving and help me become a witness to those around me.  May my life bring You glory. Amen.