We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2
We were asked during this weekend's message, "Where do you put your hope?" We all put our hope in someone or something. Some place their hope in our political system. Others place their hope in a person. Some place their hope in finances. Some place their hope in a particular outcome. None of these things, however, can ultimately satisfy us or meet our deepest needs. These things are poor companions that will always fall short and leave us hopeless. If we want to have unwavering hope that never fades away, we must place our hope solely in Christ.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to look solely to Christ for our hope. In Hebrews 12, he instructed followers of Christ to "run with endurance the race God has set before us” (verse 1). This is a call to fully follow Him without looking back. How do we do this? The writer of Hebrews answered this question for us as he continued writing in this chapter. He wrote, “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (verse 2). In other words, we can run the race that God has called us to by keeping our eyes solely on Christ. That means that we do not look to anything or any person but Him for our hope. He is the one true source of hope. Why? Once again, the writer of Hebrews answers this question for us. “He endured the cross, disregarding its shame” (verse 2). Christ disregarded the shame of the cross when He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. Jesus proved His power and authority through His resurrection. He has all power and authority. He has proven Himself trustworthy, and therefore, we can place our hope in Him.
So, where are you looking for hope? If you look to anyone or anything other than Jesus, you will find yourself disappointed and unsatisfied. If you, however, look to Christ, you will never be let down. He is, after all, all-powerful and in control over everything.
Take a few minutes to think about anything that you are looking to for hope other than Christ. Write these things down. After making this list, write down Hebrews 12:2. Commit to looking only to Christ for your hope and ask Him for His help as you seek to do this.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,
“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t give up when he corrects you.
6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
