Hebrews 12:1b-3
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.
Jesus “scorned the shame” of the cross. I had not thought of the cross as a means of shaming Jesus. But that makes perfect sense to me now. By eliminating Jesus in the most public and most humiliating way, shame was brought down on His followers as well as on Jesus. But Jesus scorned the shame. He knew the glory to come, and knew the will of the Father. Most importantly, Jesus knew there was nothing in him to be ashamed of. If I truly believe I have a place and a purpose in God’s kingdom, I must turn away from any shame I may feel from outside forces. I am forgiven, no need for shame.
Holy Lord, thank you for your saving grace, your constant and unlimited love and forgiveness. I can hold up my head, knowing I am doing my best to follow you. Amen
Becky, transforming
Thursday, September 5th, 2024
Hebrews 12:1-3
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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
This scripture tells us to look away from everything that will distract us from focusing on God. A warning about…
Hebrews 12:1b-3
It seems far-fetched, but there are times when I wonder if our culture will influence government to the point of seeking to irradicate society of Christianity. Should that come to pass in my lifetime would I have the spiritual strength to scorn the shame and stand resolutely for Jesus? There are countless numbers of people around the globe, even as I write this, who face the prospect of losing their livelihood, their home, enduring harassment, imprisonment or even death for having a Bible or professing belief and faith in Jesus. Persecution may even come from within their own household as prophesied by Jesus. Their unwavering faith is humbling and inspiring. If sanctification is becoming more like Jesus, their…