Hebrews 12:1-3

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…” vs. 1

So, what is it that encourages us to lead a good and decent life in the midst of the crookedness and perversity of this generation? Is it because we want to win God’s favor and gain a favored position in the life to come? Or is it because we want to walk in the Way of Jesus and follow in his footsteps? 

In reality we’re motivated by a variety of factors in charting our path. Here, the writer to the Hebrews suggests yet another possibility. He says that we can best know the way forward by looking backward! He reminds his readers that they’re not the first to walk in the way of faith, and that for thousands of years people have loved and served God with all of their hearts. Some of them have even given their lives as faithful servants and witnesses! He reasons that it would be horrible if their faithfulness was in vain and the current generation would allow the light of love to be extinguished.

His argument is a good one! We too carry the faith legacy of our ancestors as we run the race that is set before us. How horrible it would be if we allowed the baton of faith we now carry to slip from our grasp! Our great grandchildren are depending on us!

Thought for the Day: What do I owe my grandparents?