Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. Hebrews 10:32-34.
The New Testament book, called Hebrews, was written expressly to a whole community of Christians who were suffering on account of their faith in Jesus Christ. We don’t know where this church community was, however, it appears they were predominantly Jewish in identity.
Suffering plays a big role in their lives. First of all, they became Jesus followers amid struggle and suffering. It was a decision that clearly understood its cost. And it is to this that the writer of Hebrews refers when he says, “Recall those earlier days…” He wanted them to remember how courageous they were. How intentional they were, eyes opened to the price they were paying for their decision.
When Jesus pronounces a congratulations or blessing on the persecuted, he had this sort of community in mind. These people are the faithful bricks in the wall of the Kingdom of God. They had the strength of faith and the permanence against storms required of kingdom dwellers. “… theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
To encourage the Hebrews community he reminds them of their rootedness in a long heritage of faithful people who, similarly, experienced trial and suffering. Chapter 11, which follows our text, is a role call of the faithfuls dating all the way back to Abel, son of the first humans and also including people like Abraham, Moses, Gedeon, David, and others.
This is how the Hebrews writer could call his readers to “lay aside every weight…and run with perseverance” the course of persecuted but faithful believers. And, above all, to consider Jesus who personifies perseverance and strength in the face of difficulty.
The key piece of equipment for such a race is the ability of recollect great models of strength and faith as we run our own race. “Help us Lord Jesus.”
Prayer:
Jesus, you taught us how to live as your disciples and how to surmount the obstacles and difficulties with which this life presents us. We pray that you will remind us that this race is not an easy race, never won if we concentrate on the pain we feel rather than the goal of the race and the cheering of those who have completed their races. Please give us the strength and resolve we need. Amen.