"The Pioneer and Perfecter of our Faith" (Hebrews 12:1-13 & 28-29)

We have been talking about being the sort of church that God can use. We have also talked about the need to fully focus on Jesus if this is to be achieved. Hebrews chapter 12 also addresses these issues, and ultimately can really lift our spirits concerning the Jesus-following life. In verse 1, the “cloud of witnesses” are those faith-filled people who have gone before us, particularly the ancient heroes of faith referred to in the previous chapter of Hebrews (chapter 11). This phrase makes me sense that I’ve become part of such a great heritage of faith, built through those who have followed God’s ways before me. Yet this phrase also brings with it a great sense of challenge … a challenge which is well brought out in the words that follow. Because of the heritage of faith we have joined, we need to do two basic things … whilst looking in one very particular direction.

Firstly, we must “lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely”. The writer goes on to use athletics imagery, so the idea of laying aside weight connects with the runner, who, to cover the total distance required and reach the finishing line, and to obtain the best results, will show determination in doing whatever it takes. This will include the right diet, nutrition, training, equipment, practice, rest, and the removal of anything that would otherwise add a burdensome load or be detrimental.

This crosses to the moral, ethical and spiritual realm when we read about laying aside “sin”, which inhibits our personal growth and disrupts how we interact with each other. How is it that “sin clings so closely”?? It is often hard to dispense with things that bring a degree of pleasure. Also, the sort of “sin” that we see all around is often quite alluring, especially as it is so easily adopted by so many. Yet it needs to be set aside or resisted, for it will no doubt ultimately entangle us and prove destructive. So many believers cannot be recognised as believers because they so much resemble unbelievers!

Following on from laying aside “every weight and sin”, we are told to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us”. The first point to make is that the former statement about laying aside sin makes it much easier to take on the second challenge (in fact it is totally necessary)! For the very need for “perseverance” suggests pre-existing difficulty and trouble. Things don’t often work out the way we want them to, when we want them to. We have to apply patience and courage. And even much more so … for one particular reason!! Can you see it here?? It is because we are in a “race” that is not of our own choosing, but one that is “set before us”. The life of faith is one that is plotted and planned by God! This requires a greater level of perseverance, because the path ahead is not always clear to us. We cannot afford to be hindered in a “race” like this … which has such eternal consequences (R Brown).

Then we have the mention of the direction in which we should be looking. In a word – “Jesus”! This is directing one’s gaze to Jesus, and to no other (D Guthrie)! Looking at two or more directions at once will not do! Such rival attractions to which we could look (but shouldn’t look) can be remarkably distracting. One of these alternative gazes could actually be inward – focussing negatively on our own inhibitions or weaknesses, rather than on the positivity of Jesus. And we have even more than just the name “Jesus”, we also have other descriptions worthy of our attention – like the “pioneer and perfecter of our faith”. Many are happy with Jesus the “pioneer” of our faith … in his gift of grace, forgiveness and salvation on the cross. But others are not so happy with the concept of Jesus the “perfecter” of our faith … because this is ongoing and requires continual adjustment and change.

The “perfecter” of our faith seeks to bring that faith to its intended goal. The passage from verses 4 to 11 talks about the “discipline” required to live the life of faith, and that when necessary God brings “discipline” into our lives (despite our dislike of it) so that we might be better placed to fully embrace faith (and truly be a disciple of Jesus). We should also note that the target of our gaze, Jesus, is also one that we can deeply know in relationship. Our faith is ‘perfected’ as we grow in that relationship with Jesus, and also grow in relationship with those who likewise bear allegiance to him. And it is only as we know and experience the guidance and care of Jesus ourselves, that we are able to help others on a similar journey. As groups of Jesus-followers humbly travel and share together, this can bring great opportunities of support for whole communities.

Let’s look again at verse 2, and consider what it means to say “for the sake of the joy that was set before [Jesus] …”, because this particular “joy” must have been something really significant for Jesus to have disregarded the shame that was attached to the criminal’s death on a cross, plus enduring all the torture and pain. We could say that this was about Jesus’ return to the right hand of God in heaven, but on the other hand this is where he was to begin with. So would this “joy” be more attached to what was achieved through his incarnation, and who Jesus would be taking with him into the presence of God!?! I believe so! This “joy” is in response to the completion of Jesus’ mission and salvation of the lost. This “joy” of Jesus could also relate to being able to call others (his disciples) into this mission of bringing salvation.

Returning to “perseverance” (to ‘staying strong’), verses 3 & 4 reflect on the greatest example to us in this matter. “The cross was the unavoidable cost of the mission of God” (CJH Wright); and anyone who becomes involved in God’s mission will likely also face hostility and opposition. Our reading reminds us that, despite all that was thrown at him, Jesus endured and completed God’s will for his life. This is what we have to keep in mind to avoid growing weary and losing heart, for there is a human tendency to gradually slacken in resolve. As we have said, the corrective for this tendency, is “an ever-deepening attention to the glorious object of Christian faith – Jesus himself” (Guthrie). The tragedy of the cross, and also of our own suffering, can lead to the triumph of resurrection and new possibilities. And Jesus is not only an example here, but the one through which we gain the resource of strength to push on through difficulty. This should be found to be of great encouragement – i.e. giving courage to us!

Of course, a major reason for pushing on, is the universality of Jesus’ work of grace, i.e. there are so many people who are yet to receive this gift. Verse 12 picks up this theme with the images of lifting “drooping hands” and strengthening “weak knees” in the face of discouragement and despair. And then follows: “make straight paths for your feet” – for curvy or uneven paths may mean we will topple over! To keep on a “straight” path is not only for our sakes, and the ‘perfection’ of our particular faith, but also for the benefit, safety and healing of the “lame” around us. What is translated “be put out of joint” could be rendered “be dis-located”. There is a real sense of loss in this idea, geographically speaking, of being “dis-located”. So the point is for us to be watching our point of influence, and, especially with the ‘weak’ in mind, that we don’t cause anyone to stumble or get lost.

I’m going to jump across to the concluding verses of Hebrews 12 (28-29), which reflect on the strength of the kingdom of God that has been built on the active faith of so many of our forebears who have listened to God and followed Jesus as their Lord. Whereas our lives and even our faith can take a few hits from time to time, the kingdom we have attached ourselves to is more solid than anything built of even brick or concrete – for it is the kingdom built on the foundation of Jesus. Let us involve ourselves in awe-struck worship, in reverent service, and in faithful thanksgiving; for God has not let the world simply sink in its sinfulness, but has come with redeeming, refining and restoring grace. The writer of Hebrews quotes from the concept of God as a “consuming fire” from Moses (Deuteronomy 4:24), speaking of God’s all-consuming love for his people that passionately seeks faithfulness and worship in return.