Advent Day 20: Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith

- We are surrounded by a vast crowd of those who had run their race for God victoriously (including all the heroes of faith in chapter 11). They are witnesses who watch us run in the course of our faith life. Their faithfulness is an encouragement to us. We are not the first to struggle with the problems we face. Others have run the race and won; we can, too.
- We must cast aside anything that hinders our relationship with God and/or our spiritual growth. We must immediately cast aside sin upon recognition and not allow it to entangle/entrap us. We don't want these things to impede our running or knock us off course.
- Let us run the race marked out for us with patient endurance (perseverance)! This "running" (Christian living) involves hard work. Don't give up when things get tough. Look unto Jesus, the Ultimate Example of the faith life! We must keep our eyes on Him Who is the Pioneer (Leader/Author) and Perfecter (Finisher) of our faith. We will stumble if we take our eyes off Him to stare at ourselves or at our circumstances.
- Christ endured! For the joy set before Him! At the right hand of the throne of God, Jesus is now sitting and having authority and position as Ruler, High Priest, and Advocate. He came to that place through suffering and endurance by way of the cross.