Phil Rowlands

Hello, my friends!

Today, as we conclude our exploration of Hebrews, which is a letter written to a community transitioning from the old covenant to the new, we're investigating a segment that allows us to see the timeless truths that can strengthen our walk with Christ and deepen our understanding of God's amazing grace.

Let's consider the powerful imagery presented in Hebrews 12:1-2: “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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” What a beautiful picture of our Christian journey! We're not alone in this race; we're surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses – those faithful saints who have gone before us, cheering us on from the sidelines of eternity.

This race we're running isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. It requires endurance, focus, and determination. But here's the key: we're not running in our own strength. Our eyes are fixed on Jesus, the one who both started and will complete our faith. He's not just a spectator; He's our coach, our pace-setter, and our ultimate goal.

Now, as we run this race, we're called to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.” Have you ever tried running while carrying unnecessary baggage? It's exhausting and counterproductive. In the same way, we need to examine our lives and ask ourselves: What's weighing me down? What's hindering my progress in Christ? Perhaps it's a habit, a relationship, or even a good thing that's become a distraction. Whatever it is, we're encouraged to lay it aside for the sake of running our race well.

Friends, it's crucial to understand that this isn't about striving in our own strength or trying to earn God's favour. Remember, we're “looking unto Jesus.” Our focus is on Him and His finished work, not on our own efforts. This race is run by faith, not by works. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

As we finish up with Hebrews today, we encounter a concept that has often been misunderstood: the chastening of the Lord. In Hebrews 12:5-11, we read about God's discipline in our lives. But let's be careful not to confuse this with punishment. God isn't punishing us for our sins – Jesus already took that punishment on the cross. Instead, this chastening is more like the training a loving father gives his children to prepare them for the future.

Consider this: when an athlete is in training, they often face challenges and hardships. These aren't punishments; they're part of the process of becoming stronger and more skilled. In the same way, the trials we face as believers aren't God's punishment, but His loving preparation for the glorious future He has planned for us. As it says in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

This brings us to an important point about suffering in the Christian life. Sometimes, we face opposition and hardship not because we've done something wrong, but because we're standing for what's right. Jesus Himself said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18). When we align ourselves with Christ and His truth, we may face resistance from a world that's opposed to God's ways.

But here's the beautiful thing: even in the midst of these trials, God doesn't abandon us. He gives us grace to endure. Remember Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

As we navigate these challenges, we're called to “pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Now, this verse has often been misunderstood as suggesting that our personal holiness is what qualifies us to see God. But remember, our righteousness comes from Christ, not from our own efforts. Instead, this verse is encouraging us to live in such a way that others can see Christ in us. Our lives should reflect His holiness, drawing others to Him.

Friends, as we near the end of our journey through Hebrews, we come to a powerful contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. Mount Sinai represents the old covenant, with its law and fear. But we haven't come to that mountain. Instead, we've come to Mount Zion, representing the new covenant of grace in Christ. We've come to “Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel” (Hebrews 12:24).

This is such good news! We're not under a system of law that breeds fear and condemnation. We're under grace, with full access to God's presence. We're citizens of heaven, even as we walk on earth. Our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. We have a High Priest who understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us. What a privilege!

As we reflect on these truths, let's remember the exhortation in Hebrews 13:9: “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.” Our strength doesn't come from external religious observances, but from the grace of God working in our hearts.

This grace transforms us from the inside out. It's not about behaviour modification or external rules. It's about a heart change that naturally leads to a life that honours God. As we grow in our understanding of God's grace, we find ourselves less attracted to sin and more drawn to righteousness – not out of obligation, but out of love for the One who saved us.

In light of this, let's consider the powerful imagery in Hebrews 13:10-14. The author speaks of Jesus suffering “outside the gate” and calls us to “go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.” This is a call to leave behind the old systems of religion and fully embrace the new covenant in Christ. It's an invitation to identify completely with Jesus, even if it means facing rejection from the world.

Friends, this journey of faith isn't always easy. There will be times when we feel weak, times when we face opposition, times when we're tempted to return to old, comfortable ways. But in those moments, let's remember that we have a Great High Priest who sympathises with our weaknesses. We have access to a throne of grace, where we can “obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

As we run this race, let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Let's remember that He is both the author and the finisher of our faith. He started this good work in us, and He will be faithful to complete it. Our job is not to strive in our own strength, but to trust in His finished work and to allow His grace to transform us day by day.

Let's also remember that we're not running alone. We're part of a great company of believers – both those who have gone before us and those who run alongside us. Let's encourage one another, spur one another on to love and good deeds, and remind each other of the glorious future that awaits us in Christ.

As we consider the challenges we face, it's important to remember that God's chastening is not about inflicting suffering, but about denying deliverance so we can experience His grace. Just as Jesus was perfected as our High Priest through suffering (Hebrews 2:10; 5:7-9), we too are being prepared for a glorious future. This doesn't mean God will always deliver us from suffering, but He will always give us grace to endure it.

Friends, let's not despise the chastening of the Lord. Instead, let's submit to God's program of discipline, knowing that He deals with us as sons (Hebrews 12:7). This discipline isn't about past deeds, but about future benefits. It's about making us fit for the kingdom, preparing us to reign with Christ.

In this journey, we're called to make straight paths for our feet (Hebrews 12:13). This means confronting obstacles head-on rather than avoiding them. It means accessing God's grace (Hebrews 4:16; 12:28) and being diligent not to fall short of it. We must be careful of the root of bitterness (Hebrews 12:15), which can defile many and lead us away from the truth.

As we wrap up our exploration of Hebrews, let's remember that our hearts are established with grace, not with external religious practices (Hebrews 13:9). We have an altar – Christ Himself – from which those who cling to the old covenant have no right to eat (Hebrews 13:10). We're called to go outside the camp, leaving behind the old and embracing the new covenant in Christ.

Be blessed today, my brothers and sisters. May you run your race with endurance, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus. May you rest in His grace, finding strength for every trial. And may you live in such a way that others see Christ in you, drawing them to the amazing love and grace of our God. Remember, you are loved, you are forgiven, and you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that glorifies God. Keep pressing on, for the prize that awaits us is far greater than any temporary struggle we may face. In Christ, we are more than conquerors!

Phil