Therefore …

Hebrews 12:1-4

No, we’re not going to do a study on Hebrews 12 now. We are wrapping up Hebrews 11 today.

So, why are we quoting Hebrews 12? Such a good question, I’m grateful that you asked. And since you asked, I’ll do my best to answer it for you.

Hebrews 12 begins with the word therefore. According to my dictionary, the word therefore is an adverb. It means for that reason; consequently. It is used to tie together two thoughts. You make a point, then you say therefore to tie that point to another point or conclusion.

Don’t I sound “ed-uma-cated”? I thought so.

The writer of Hebrews gives us all these examples of faith. He shares how it is all fulfilled in a promise that was to come (the death and resurrection of Jesus). And then he turns his attention to everyone who follows the promise (the death and resurrection of Jesus) … which would be us.

And he says, Therefore …

Therefore, since all of these people are cheering us on, let’s keep telling the story. Let’s stop focusing on all the things that keep us from telling the story. Let’s strip off the things that weigh us down: sin & religion. And let’s focus on what is important: Jesus, the one who perfects our faith.

The author uses the imagery of an athlete in a large amphitheater. In the stands are all those who have lived by faith. They are cheering us. We are the athlete who stands at the start of the race. Often, in those days, an athlete would run naked. They would strip off their clothes so that nothing would hinder their race.

So now, we are a naked athlete. (Are you getting nervous? I am!) And the gun fires (okay, okay, there weren’t any guns during this time period … just work with me!). The race begins. The crowd is cheering. They all want us to succeed.

But we get tired. Tough times come our way. We feel like giving up. Dropping out. The author knows that hard times will come our way. Everyone in the stands knows hard times will come.

And so we’re told: fix our eyes on the finish line – Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Focus on him, and keep running.

Keep running.

Until tomorrow.