“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith”
Hebrews 12:1-2
Over the past few days, you’ve likely heard endless renditions of “Auld Lang Syne,” seen numerous advertisements for “once-in-a-year” gym membership deals and talked with friends and families about your resolutions for a new year. And now, it’s here. New Year’s Eve has arrived.
Maybe you’re hosting a party this year, attending a New Year’s Eve service at church, or taking in a quiet night at home by yourself, or with family. Whatever the case, we want to help you end this year and bring in the new with your focus on what’s most important: your relationship with God.
Hebrews 11 provides an interesting list of faith-heavyweights in biblical history. These are people who were able to see living possibilities where others only saw dead ends, who saw victory where others saw defeat, who saw what God could do when others saw the impossible. They not only saw with eyes of faith, but they also acted on that faith.
Each person mentioned here understood faith as a verb, as a spiritual muscle that allowed them to act. Faith helped them persevere even during difficult circumstances—like Joseph in Egypt. They were able to step out into the unknown with courage and to take risks—like Rahab and Gideon.
It shouldn’t surprise us where this list ends: with “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Jesus, Prince of peace. Jesus, Immanuel (“God with us”). Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords!
As we look forward to a new year and the journey of life ahead of us, we can look back at people who have lived by faith, spiritual ancestors in Jesus’ extended family and many others who have been welcomed into the family of God. We can be encouraged by their stories. Even more, we can look forward to the One who looks encouragingly back at us, the One who came to die so that we could live with him forever.
I wanted to share this devotional that blessed me many years ago, as we make plans to face the new year, let us remember those that came before us, to fix our eyes in Jesus. May you be blessed this coming year.
Pastor Luis.