Friday, February 6, 2026

Hebrews 12:1-3 Keep the faith!

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 


Having done all that we can do we stand and let God accomplish through Holy Spirit all that  in our own power we cannot. We fight the good fight and then rest. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Jesus took on the sins of this world so that we could share in the peace that only He can give us. Blessed be His holy name. Carla


Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us* and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God. Catholic Bible


Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NKJ Study Bible


The  cloud of witnesses refers to the people of faith mentioned in chapter 11. They are not actually spectators watching us; they are witnesses testifying to the truth of the faith (11:2, 4–6). Weight is anything that hinders a runner.  Looking here means “fixing one’s eyes trustingly.” We need to consistently focus on Christ instead of our own circumstances. Christ has done everything necessary for us to endure in our faith. He is our example and model, for He focused on the joy that was set before Him. His attention was not on the agonies of the Cross, but on the crown; not on the suffering, but the reward. Consider here involves the idea of comparison, as an accountant would compare the various columns of a balance sheet. Believers should compare their sufferings to the torture Christ endured on their behalf (verse 4). The NKJV Study Bible


The footrace was one of the longest and most significant events in the Greek games. Although Hebrews 11 included a long list of worthy exemplars, Jesus is ultimately the focus. In light of the footrace metaphor, the idea here might be that Jesus, who pioneered the course of the faith, awaits believers at the finish line. Prizes often were set before athletes to provide motivation (according to first-century Jewish historian Josephus, Antiquities 8:302). Jesus’ endurance of the cross provides the paradigm for believers who also endure suffering and shame. Faithlife Study Bible


Philippians 2:8–9 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 


1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 


Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:


Revelations 2:3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.



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