Looking to Jesus

Daily Reading: Hebrews 12

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith… (Hebrews 12.2)

Devotional Thought: Hebrews 12 has both encouragement and requirement.

On the encouraging side:

·       We are not alone but are supported by the testimony of those who have already traversed life's challenges.

·       Jesus is our example, having mapped out, pioneered, and prepared our successful journey through life.

·       The Spirit is our encourager to help us get it right, even when we need a course correction.

·       We have clear instruction for social and spiritual success: Live as a person of peace and purity.  This results in good relationships with both God and man.

·       We have become a part of a welcoming, eternal, life-giving, overcoming kingdom of God.

Yet, as we continue considering this passage, we quickly notice that we are responsible for our part of the journey. God has provided everything we need to get it right, but we are the ones who must walk in faith.  As a result, we are given some precautions.  Here are a few found in the chapter:

·       It's easy to become entangled in sin - so be aware of temptation and resist it.

·       Avoid distraction - keep focused on Jesus.

·       Discipline is for our benefit and improvement. Expect it.

·       Endurance is required.

·       Do the spiritual exercises (v. 12) and remove obstacles (v. 13).

·       Peace and purity will take effort.

·       Reject bitterness and immorality.

·       God is not only loving, but he is also just.

The great news from this chapter is that success is ours through Jesus. Let's look to him!

Bob Hale

Prayer: Father in heaven, I thank you that Jesus is the founder and perfecter of my faith.  Help me to now walk in faith as I look to him.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 56.1-6

1  Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me;

2 my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly.

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

5 All day long they injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil.

6 They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps, as they have waited for my life.