Reading: Hebrews 11: 29 - 12: 2
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Reflection This continues our reading from last week. Remember how the beginning of this chapter had a definition of faith? Then, we have a long list of examples of faithful people. And we are reminded that we are part of these generations of God’s family. So often, we read about this great cloud of witnesses that came before us. Have you ever thought that not only are you part of that cloud, but also all of God’s followers here on earth? We are not in this alone! And Paul tells us that we are to run this race with our eyes on Jesus who will perfect our faith. I know I need this reminder often. It’s a marathon not a sprint. And we have lots of well-wishers to help us in our quest. --Chad Hershberger Prayer The race is long, Lord, but we know you are with us. Continue to give us strength, energy, and perseverance to keep running. Amen.
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