Picking up where
Allycia left off in the Book of Hebrews, let’s dive into chapter 12!
In Chapter
12, Paul urges us to not grow weary or fainthearted in the faithful life. He
encourages to persevere, endure the hard trials and flee from sin as we
continue on our spiritual walk. After all, a believer’s trials, pressures,
exhaustion's and persecutions are nothing in comparison to Christ’s. In Hebrews
12:1 (ESV) says “Therefore, since we are
surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 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.” Paul uses the metaphor of a race to illustrate that the
faith-filled life is a demanding and grueling effort. He gives us this
encouragement so that we may understand that walking with Christ is no walk in
the park, so to speak. There will be hardships and troubles, but if we continue
to strive and move forward we will attain the goal. Paul reiterates the
importance for this in another manner with Hebrews 12:14 (ESV) “Strive for peace with everyone, and for
the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” This line has such a
deeper meaning that it is often easy to overlook. Not only should we continue
the race for our own benefit, but to show the qualities of Christ so that
non-believers may have the opportunity to see the Truth. As followers of
Christ, we must seek peace and harmony with everyone—despite any conflict—so that
His light may shine in us and through us.
Paul
continues in Chapter 13 with some principles on Christian living. Going with
what Paul was implying earlier, such qualities and ethics help portray the gospel
to the world and encourages others to believe in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:1
(ESV) says “Let brotherly love continue”.
Simply, we must love fellow believers. If we are true worshipers of God, then
how can we not? Always we must glorify Him, and there is no higher calling than
to love. Paul goes on to talk about the importance of showing grace to
strangers. Even if we are having a bad day, or experiencing a particular time
of persecution, we continue to the race. We must love and show peace and love
and kindness to both friends and strangers. Paul finally continues with his
guidance to not be led astray by false teachings. A common theme in his epistles,
he reminds us with Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Christ is
never changing and is always with us.
Moving on to
the Letter of James, we leave the multitude of letters in the Bible written by
the apostle Paul and move into letters written by apostles from the original circle
of Jesus. James was the brother of Jesus and would later become a key leader in
the Jerusalem church after Jesus’ ascension. James begins his letter by
encouraging believers as their faith had come under fire. He writes in James
1:3 (ESV) “for you know that the testing
of your faith produces steadfastness.” He writes that in fact, it is good
that a believer’s faith would be tested, as through various trials such a faith
would become stronger. This is such an incredible aspect of the Christian walk,
because I myself can attest to it. Through the many crazy times and trials in
my life, my faith has always become stronger when it emerges from the testing
fire. Therefore, we can only thank God for the tribulations that may come upon
us! Because it does truly work for our benefit. There is so much good stuff in
this letter I could probably write ten more paragraphs! But I probably shouldn't.
But I’ll leave with one of my favorite verses! James 1:25 (ESV) “But the one who looks into the perfect law,
the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who
acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
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