Hebrews 12 (1)

Introduction
The writer brings his letter of exhortation toward its conclusion. He urges his readers, in the light of all he has presented for their consideration, to focus on Jesus, the Lord’s true rest, and to follow His example in pressing on in “the race that is set before us.” By looking to Jesus, we can find strength to stay the course, like our faithful forebears, until we all come to the promised Kingdom and City.

Read Psalm 47.

Read Hebrews 12.1, 2.

Think it through.
1.  In what sense are we “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses”? Where is heaven? What are the saints in heaven doing there (cf. Rev. 5.8-14)? Remembering their presence all around us should encourage and help us in our walk with and work for the Lord. In what ways? How is sin a “weight” and a “snare” in our journey toward the City to Come? What’s involved in running “with endurance the race that is set before us?” What does this require of us day by day?

2.  We can gain strength to persevere by “looking unto Jesus” as we run our race. Why should we do this? How? How should Christians help one another in this? What made Jesus able to bear up under His suffering? How did God reward His endurance? We should expect suffering to be involved in following Jesus. How does Jesus’ example teach us to “run with endurance” when trials or troubles beset us?

Meditate.
“The models of godliness are set before us on all sides, he is saying, in such vast numbers as to resemble a cloud in density and testify to the power of faith. Accordingly, let us keep our eyes on them, be light on our feet and rid ourselves of the burden of unnecessary worries, in this way being able also to avoid sin that is easy to contract. Before everything else we need perseverance to succeed in the course ahead of us.” Theodoret of Cyr (393-466 AD)

Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1.8, 9

Strengthen in me assurance of faith, O Lord, that I may live boldly for…

Pray Psalm 47.
This psalm celebrates the exaltation of Christ and what it means for the world. Ask God to bring the reign of King Jesus more fully to expression in your life today. 

Psalm 47.1-9 (Truro: Shout, for the Blessed Jesus Reigns)
O clap your hands, you peoples all,
With joy to God your songs intone!
Shout out to Him, and on Him call,
He is the mighty, sovereign One!

High is the Lord, O, fear His Name!
He rules, a King o’er all the earth.
Nations and peoples He has tamed,
The heritage of His holy worth.

God has ascended with a shout,
The Lord with sound of trumpet bold!
Sing praise to Him, let praise ring out!
Let praise through all the world be told!

God is the King of all the earth,
Sing praise to Him with glorious psalms!
He rules the nations by His worth,
And on His throne receives their alms.

Princes of peoples gather all
To Abraham and to our God.
Exalt the Lord, and on Him call – 
The earth is His, so praise our God!

T. M Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.