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Read: Hebrews 12:2-3
Listen: Hebrews 12

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. Hebrews 12:2

It’s one thing to hear that you might experience hardship for your faith. It’s quite another to endure it. The audience of Hebrews endured discrimination and life-threatening situations. They feel the uncertainty of income loss and the threat of imprisonment. They experience the estrangement of loved ones and the loss of social influence. All because they placed their faith in Jesus. Even still, the author reminds them that they can persevere. Why? Because Jesus suffered too. Jesus felt the weight of physical and emotional pain. He felt the isolation and abandonment of loved ones. He even experienced death! With a fiery love, he blazed the trail for believers to walk. A trail that promises eternal life and involves a restored friendship with God. All they need is to fix their eyes on him. He will take care of the rest.

What Jesus was for them is who he is for us, too. We also face circumstances and experiences that put us in need of rescue. Our greatest need for rescue, though, is from our sin. Jesus endured the shame and humiliation of the cross to achieve the ultimate victory over sin and death. He pioneered and perfected our faith so that in him we can experience joy that lasts.

TODAY: Take a moment to praise Jesus for rescuing you from sin! If you haven’t yet, make Jesus the Lord of your life. Pray: Jesus, I confess that I need you to rescue me. I believe that you love me and died to rescue me. Today, I declare that you are Lord over my life. Amen.