We’re over halfway through This Is the New Testament, our thematic overview of the New Testament. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll finish our look at the Pauline Epistles and begin the General Epistles.
What Is Hebrews? Written by an unknown author, the book of Hebrews explores the majesty and supremacy of Jesus over all things. It connects Israel’s rich history and the Pentateuch to the work of Jesus, our High Priest. Hebrews details how Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and all of God’s promises in the Old Testament.
How Hebrews Fits Into the Story: Hebrews ties Old Testament history and practices to the life and ministry of Jesus more than any other book in the New Testament. Just as Jesus taught that the Old Testament has been fulfilled in Him, Hebrews shows how the old covenant was fulfilled and the new covenant has been extended to us in Him. This glorious future, secured for us in Christ Jesus, gives us a reason to endure in the faith.
Reflection Questions:
1. What “race” do you think the author is referring to in Hebrews 12:1–2? How do you keep your eyes on Jesus as you “run”?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments
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41 thoughts on "Hebrews"
20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, – Philippians 3:20
Lord I worship you for you are good!
1. What “race” do you think the author is referring to in Hebrews 12:1–2? How do you keep your eyes on Jesus as you “run”?
I think the author is just referring to the race of life; the Christian life. I think they refer to it as a “race,” due to the amount of endurance they knew it would require to remain faithful and in belief, and the fact that believers are “running” towards, or pursuing a common goal; the crown of righteousness and eternal life with our Savior and Creator. The author knew that choosing to follow Jesus would not mean the elimination of suffering or ease of life, but for many (especially in that time period), would actually bring upon more persecution and trials. We can keep our eyes on Jesus as we “run,” by turning to His words and teachings daily, by practicing gratitude, and by living and loving as best we can, the way He would. In doing all of these things daily we are keeping our eyes on the ways above, instead of allowing ourselves to be distracted or deterred by the enemy and his earthly ways.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
It serves as a reminder that this calling will not be easy; it is described to us in many books of the bible as a race, or challenge, or a period of suffering. We have to remember what the word, “redemption” means: “the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.” There is evil in this word that we are called to flee from, and we have been promised a rescue from it all should we remain faithful. Fixing our eyes on this truth and moving towards the finish line, the relief and salvation from sin and evil in this world, is not described as an easy feat.
Love this!!!
I think the race is our Christian life and the prize is our eternity in heaven. The world we live in makes the “race” weary at times, but these verses remind us to look to Jesus as our inspiration and motivation to keep running. Even if we feel like giving up, He never will.
I think the race is this journey we walk until we get to heaven. And it’s easy to get overcome by the hard. But time and time again scripture encourages us to lean in through the hard and embrace what God is doing in our lives. Knowing there will be purpose and ultimately victory. These scriptures beautifully show that thread.
Amen
Focus on the Lord your God and he will set your paths straight for the race to him. Appreciate your relationship and spend daily time talking with the Father in order to grow closer to him.
Sisters getting on here late in the day. I am only seeing 30 posts, so not sure if it was a busy day or if I am unable to see thaem all. Anyway, reading your posts blessed me. I am so thankful to have The Lord and the Word in this race, praying that I can keep my eyes on the true prize and honor God every step of the way. I am still feeling pretty exhausted and a bit dizzy today. ERB, I hope you are okay. I never posted this morning as I am still not feeling great. And finally came on and don’t see a post from you. Praying you are okay. I will read Isaiah 66 tonight and if you are ready we can finish this awesome book then. If you already posted today, please post again so I can see it. So thankful I joined you my Sister on this journey through Isaiah. Really wondering as I can’t imagine there were only 30 posts. XOXO Maura
Sisters getting on here late in the day. I am only seeing 30 posts, so not sure if it was a busy day or if I am unable to see thaem all. Anyway, reading your posts blessed me. I am so thankful to have The Lord and the Word in this race, praying that I can keep my eyes on the true prize and honor God every step of the way. I am still feeling pretty exhausted and a bit dizzy today. ERB, I hope you are okay. I never posted this morning as I am still not feeling great. And finally came on and don’t see a post from you. Praying you are okay. I will read Isaiah 66 tonight and if you are ready we can finish this awesome book then. If you already posted today, please post again so I can see it. So thankful I joined you my Sister on this journey through Isaiah. Really wondering as I can’t imagine there were only 30 posts. XOXO Maura
Thank you for sharing Laura. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been. I’m glad God brought something good out of it. ❤️
I’m so glad that we serve a God who even uses our struggles and sin to make us more like him. I pray that I would become more like him as I trade the old way of living for his new way. Happy Thursday Ladies!
I think todays devotion helps keep my perspective on the grander image. That my race I’m running is part of a bigger race that has been going on since the beginning of the Fall. Because of Jesus I don’t have to keep looking to the left and right making sure I’m doing what in supposed to be doing based on what everyone else is doing. But my eyes are on Christ, my goal is to reach Him. I can live freely and breathe deeply knowing His eyes are on me too, and they are kind, loving eyes excited to see me reach for Him.
I’m not certain what the race is but I do know my faith in God and Christ grows every day. My faith has gotten strong through my many joys and griefs but I know the Lord was with me through all of them.
Have a blessed day sisters.
Hebrews 12:10-11 makes the point that our physical parents/guardians disciplined us when we were young because of their own selfish reasons—fitting social norms, for their own quality of life, etc. But God only sets us on the right path because he knows exactly what is best for us. Even though it may sting, God is preparing our lives for the unimaginable!
So just as Paul wrote to the Philippian church, let’s forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:13-14)
The race is the rapture, the second coming of God. Not everyone can win eternity with God and there will be those that can’t finish the race against time. If I were in a physical race—a marathon, for example—I know that I wouldn’t hesitate to stop and help someone struggling to finish. Knowing that there is an unlimited number of winners in heaven should incentivize us to pause and make sure there as many people possible crossing the finish line! We are all in this together!
Taylor, I could not agree more that each selection completely spoke to me. I will pray for us all to have endurance by looking to Jesus. I know I definitely need it in the season I am in.
The race is the pursuit of holiness. It requires for myself to strive all day every single day that I am given to be more like Jesus. Keeping my eye on him, the cross, and the scriptures written on my heart.
“…I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” I love how the author put “straining forward” and “pressing on.” They both feel so applicable in this season. How sweet it is to know that we are walking towards a prize that is far greater than our trials. I love reading all of your comments as well!
Praying for you this morning!
Haha, TAYLOR! :D I was thinking the same thing, hoping the rest of the “Shes” would still benefit from today’s Devo, despite it all being compiled specifically for ME ;)!!
SARAHJOY, I LOVED your comment and had to copy down the 2nd half…God bless!!
Thank you to all of you who shared your testimony and encouragement re: “enduring” and being strengthened throughout the trials of the race.
I find despite the actual difficulty of the race, sometimes (unlike during a physical run) I can forget that I am indeed running a race in this life and that I need a clear vision & focus on the “finish line” to which I must commit, to which I am headed…I need to remember not to chase a pretty butterfly or the sound of a babbling brook to my left or right if it will take me off course!
I’m praying for all that has been brought forth. ❤️
I just read this post from Proverbs 31 ministry entitled “When Comfort is My Enemy.” Seemed very fitting for this reading today, where we are being reminded to endure and rejoice when we are disciplined by God. Complacency does not move us towards God but instead allows us to think that we are in control. Although there were times when I questioned why God allowed the sin of infidelity to touch our family, I was grateful for how He brought me through and how I grew to depend on Him in every aspect of my life. And also to @Karrie, my kids were also angry. Watching me lean on God to forgive, and to see their father humbly repenting and seeking reconciliation was a very strong witness to them. It helped to bring them along in the forgiveness process. But it all took time, a lot of time. I will continue to pray for you to stay strong and to be encouraged.
Here is the link for the Proverbs 31 post: https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2021/08/12/when-comfort-is-my-enemy
Thanks for sharing this Laura
Who are we to be so lucky to have Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as our “trainers” for this race we call life??!! It’s like having an Olympian coach for free !! Thank you Lord for being the best so that I may be my best for you so that others may know how great you are!! Happy Thursday sisters !’ Let’s all stay disciplined so that we can finish strong!!!
I feel like God has been trying to tell me something, I’ve been running uphill during the past year and he has been encouraging me and pushing me all the way thru it. Hebrews 12-7 has really touched me this morning…Endure suffering as discipline…it has been painful but I know God will guide me thru this. I often wonder what lesson he is trying to teach me thru this pain, but I do know it has brought me closer to him and maybe just maybe that what all he wanted…
The thing that stood out to me most today in the book of Hebrews, is how many times the words, “endure”, “endured”, and “endurance” were used. What does that say? That this race that we run – this life in Christ – will not always be easy but will be hard, grievous, and painful at times. What then – do we give up? Do we quit? Do we look to our own strength to get us through? No, we continue to the finish line through the presence and power of Jesus Christ living in us! It’s the only way we will finish well. To reiterate what @Taylor and @Kathy said – will the race be easy – No. Will it be worth it – Absolutely! …Thank you Heavenly Father for loving us so much that you chasten us when needed, otherwise we would never grow or know your mercy, grace and love.
@Sydney praying for your friend Meghan – that God will release her from her bondage of sin, pull her away from alcohol and lift her out of her depression – and that you will know how to minister to her heart.
Thank you all for your prayers – I am recovering from my concussion, every day I feel a little better just have to still take it slow, limit my screen time and rest.
Blessed Thursday to you all!
The race I’m running requires constant training (discipline). The training goals that God has set before me to experience have grown me in confidence, trust and peace. I can’t wait to finish and glory in his presence.
Yes!
As I train for a race there are days that feel really enjoyable (after a few days rest) then there are others like this week where the weather is oppressive and you just slog through. One day this week was such a sweet gift from God. My running partner and I had decided we had to run in the afternoon due to child care for her kids. As the day got humid I kept thinking how awful running sounded. Then came the rain! Our dry area needs it badly, and the rain cut the humidity. When we got together after the rain, I said “I think God heard my whining.” :)
How true and sweet is the Perfecter of our faith? “God’s power has given us EVERYTHING we need for life and godliness…” 2 Peter 1:3
What do we need to get through this race called life? The Holy Spirit (our coach), the Bible (the running manual/webmd/nutrition guide), community (running buddies), prayer (communication with coach) and things we don’t even KNOW we need – He provides. Like a little break in the humidity after I told myself I didn’t get to bail out.
Some days are hard, but we don’t gain strength for the difficulties on the easy days.
I resist sin, yet have not shed one drop of blood. Wow! That’s eye opening!
Father guide me in the name of Jesus.
Hebrews 12:3 – “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” This really moved me in the reading. All that Jesus did was for us. For my benefit, my gain. He knows life on earth is hard- but He also knows eternity is greater. This reenergizes me knowing Christ has gone before me so that I may not give up. Persevere!
The race we are called to run is this life as daughters of the king until we are taken up to heaven. I agree Kathy this is an endurance race not a sprint. With all endurance races the course/trail changes. Sometimes we have mountains to ascend & descend, while other times is a flat path. As hard as climbing those mountains can be the lessons learned are usually life-changing in a good way. It can be hard during those climbs to keep my eyes on Christ because I’m weary, but I’m grateful for a community that encourages and points me to the truth. Back in the fall I struggled with insomnia for awhile. It was my faith community that helped me see the lies the devil was trying to tell me as I struggled to find sleep. They encouraged me to focus on the truth & on Christ. As I did that, my relationship with Christ grew deeper. He knew I would need that for some of the tough months ahead as my family faced my mom’s major health issues.
Praying for you all as you run your course today.
Anyone else feel like today’s devotion was made for them?! Every single passage spoke straight to my heart. Hold UNSWERVINGLY to the HOPE we profess, for HE who promised is FAITHFUL (Hebrews 10:23). Hebrews 10:36. Hebrews 12:1 Let us throw off EVERYTHING that hinders and RUN with PERSEVERANCE. Proverbs 3:12 The Lord disciplines those He loves. Philippians 3:12 “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of ME” I’ve been going through a season of discipline but also sanctification since I walked away from my relationship on May 23rd. As @Kathy said. Has it been easy? No. WORTH IT? ABSOLUTELY. The Lord wouldn’t go to this much trouble to capture our souls and draw us to Him if He didn’t love us SO MUCH. This is such good news. But God…
Have a great Thursday everyone and lifting you all up in prayer <3
Please say a prayer for my dear friend Meghan who is battling alcoholism and depression. She has been through some trauma and turns to alcohol as a vice. I pray for God to intervene and help to capture her heart. Thank you!
Praying for your friend Sydney – and that you would be a good support system for her.
I wasn’t disciplined or guided properly as a child- I don’t blame my parents as they were quite young and didn’t have Jesus as the “perfector” of their faith. The consequences, however were bad sin habits that made me fearful, judgmental and selfish. But God…so loved me that He could not let me stay there. The course of His loving discipline has been so, so hard and painful and as I look back at these difficult season, I am so, so grateful. Fixing my eyes on Jesus now is becoming more and more effortless as those scales of sin have fallen away. A blessed day to you all and may God reveal mercies that are new every morning!
Thank you ladies for your comments that are here so far! You all helped me with your words. Kathy, thanks for sharing your testimony to His faithfulness. Blessed Beth, thanks for those encouraging and hopeful words. He is the only Way. Kelly, your explanation of Jesus being the Pioneer and Perfector of our faith really helped me to see these verses in a clear way that I never thought of before! God bless you all. Prayers for the ladies on this site today!
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
I pray my eyes stay fixed on this upward call as I run this race of life. Not to get distracted or sidetracked by the pleasures and appeals of this world. But to focus on the heavenly realm!
The race is my life as a Christ-follower and it’s a marathon and not a sprint. God is calling me to stay the course which can be so hard sometimes, but He gives me everything I need to keep running. As I look back over just the last three years I am reminded of all the things I learned through the suffering I endured. My husband had major open-heart surgery, my Mom passed away almost a year later from Parkinson’s, and my dad passed away a little over a year after that. And of course, we endured a pandemic, lock-down, virtual learning… I don’t ever want to go through experiences like that again, but I grew so much in the last three years. The things I learned are precious and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. There were times in the middle of it all that I wondered where God was, but when I look back I see His presence all over my life.
Is this race easy? Nope. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Have a blessed day. I love you, my sweet sisters in Christ, and lift you before the throne daily.
1. The race is life this side of eternity. There is a finish line and God is there. Jesus has run the race before me. He has planned the course I must run (the pioneer) and He will ser to it that I finish (perfecter of our faith).
2. My aim in this life should always reflect the reality of my utter inability to do anything that is pleasing to God on my own. It is only through the perfect and completed work of Christ in me. And what He started, He has promised to finish.
The prize, we all love gifts and prizes , the feeling of exciting. It seems incomprehensible what awaits us in heaven. So ladies keep your eyes on our Lord!