Endured

"Jesus endured His suffering in order to redeem His people. But those He redeemed are not thereby delivered from all pain and misery. Indeed, as we shall see, we His people are called to participate in His suffering" (R.C. Sproul).

Hebrews 12:1-3 summarizes what the writer has been discussing, starting in 10:35. He encourages his readers to run faithfully. In verse 2, our verse for today, He points us to Jesus. He is not talking about Jesus standing at the finish line. Instead, he wants us to look at how Jesus ran the race. Did he ever struggle and go through hard times? He did! The writer has already pointed that out in places like 5:7-9. So what should we remember? Note verse 2:

First, look to Jesus. He was willing to do God's will even in the middle of all that suffering. He is the "author and perfecter of our faith,"  the founder of our salvation (2:10).

Second, the joy set before. Think about the promises for all those mentioned in chapter 11. He went to the cross and said, "Not my will but thine be done," because He could see the reward of faith in the Father. That is why He endured.

Third, He endured. This is the second time in this chapter he has mentioned endurance (v.1). What does endurance in following Jesus even mean? It is a marathon. He never promised us a rose garden. It will be tough sometimes, but it is not always a picnic. The "prosperity preaching" is not biblical! We need to be honest with people. The devil will try everything, and it will be hard, but it is worth it. That is why we must encourage each other (3:10-13) and assemble (10:19-25).

Fourth, the result. Look how it turned out for Jesus. He is now at the right hand of God. He received the reward, and so will we if we run with endurance. 10:23, 3:6, 3:14, and 4:11 are all different ways of saying the same thing—be Faithful. Endure!

So, don't give up following Jesus! Look to His example. Just as He endured, even in suffering, you endure whether times are good or bad. Ultimately, His reward for us will be worth it all!

I love you, and God does too! 

Corey Sawyers is the preaching minister for the Martin Church of Christ and an adjunct instructor for Bear Valley Bible Institute. He is Melody's husband and Daddy to Garrett (and Bailey), Gordon (and Lauren), and Gannon. Happy Birthday week to Melody and Gannon!