A Word from Hebrews 12

When do you find it most challenging to persevere? Is it when you’re tired from having to do too much for too long? Is it when you’re discouraged, because there seems to be so much wrong with the world? Do you struggle to endure when you feel like people you care about have let you down? Or when you see hardship looming in the future, and you can’t figure out how to avoid it?

Well, let’s be honest. There are lots of things that can leave us feeling discouraged and ready to quit. And yet, on this Wednesday of Holy Week, we’re reminded that Jesus didn’t quit—and doesn’t quit—on us. According to tradition, this is the day that Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. And even though it must have felt awful for Jesus to know that his path to the cross was being prepared by one of his own disciples and friends, Jesus continued to walk that path, because of his love for broken and discouraged people like you and me.

And that’s why today’s word comes from Hebrews 12 and invites us to ask not only whether we’ll keep our attention focused on Jesus as he makes his way toward the cross—but also whether we’ll follow Jesus, by persevering through the challenges we face.

“Therefore,” the Bible says, “since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb. 12:1-13)

So, I pray that you won’t lose heart today, because Sunday. Is. Coming! When even the darkness of our hardships is swallowed up in the light of resurrection life. Amen.