Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
Hebrews 12:1 – 2
let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus is the pioneer of our faith – our trailblazer!
He is our chief example, chief leader of the faith.
He leads, we follow!
“[Christ], in the pre-eminence of His faith, far surpassed the examples
Joseph Thayer
commemorated in Hebrews 11. Our directions here are, to look
objectively at our Lord Jesus, the File-Leader of the column of believers,
those who had perfect faith to look at Him just as objectively as we would
look at Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, or any of the other great cloud of witnesses.”
Jesus completes His race,
He is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He is the One who completes,
who brings us to our determined destiny!
As we run we can look back and see how Jesus ran His race (“Author”).
L. Richards
When we look ahead we can see His exaltation (“Finisher”).
He is our example as starter and finisher.
The previous chapter of Hebrews, chapter 11, is often called the Hall of Faith. The author of Hebrews enumerates many saints that had gone before, and how they expressed their saving faith. Then in Hebrews 12, the author clarifies – while those people did demonstrate faith – they are not our guide, they are not our examples, they are not on whom we fix our eyes! NO! Instead, we fix our eyes on Jesus! He is the Shining Star, the Supreme or Preeminent One, He is the supreme Witness! And on Him we can depend!
O soul are you weary and troubled?
Helen H. Lemmel, 1922
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there
Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conquerors we are
His word shall not fail you, He promised
Believe Him and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect salvation to tell
And turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Today, fix your eyes on Jesus! Call Him to mind often. Allow yourself to rejoice in Him as you thank Him – for He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!
