Let Us Run With Perseverance

This meditation is based on a passage for February 6, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Hebrews 12:1-6

Reflection and Question: So many aspects of this passage help believers run the race that is set before us. When I remember that I am surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, both those who have gone before us in faith and those who will come when we are long forgotten, I put my fears in perspective and get on with the task at hand. When this passage was written, the cross was still a negative symbol of shame, death, and defeat, much like the symbol of prison bars is for us today, and yet, Jesus endured the cross for the sake of joy. Our struggles are so much less than what Jesus faced. How can joy keep you from growing weary or losing heart?

Prayer: Jesus, our Shining Light, show us how to lay aside every weight by looking to You as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. From Your seat at the right hand of God, strengthen our faith especially when God disciplines us out of sheer love. Amen.