Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
“1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking to JESUS, “THE FOUNDER AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH”, WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of GOD.
3 Consider HIM WHO ENDURED from sinners such HOSTILITY against HIMSELF, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
The example of being a mirror, simply reflecting the Glory of CHRIST, has often been used by this writer to illustrate that we are CHOSEN BY OUR CREATOR to display HIS LOVE, MERCY and GRACE to anyone who will see! This passage of Scripture reminds us that “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” who are seeing the testimony that we give, whether it be a good message or a not so good one!
Our FAITH is NOT something of our own doing (Ephesians 2:8-10). We were CHOSEN by GOD before we were ever born to perform what HIS PLAN is for our lives. The same JESUS we worship and adore is “THE FOUNDER AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH”, not only drawing us to THE FATHER (John 6:44), but “perfecting” our FAITH in HIM while a cloud of witnesses observes! It’s not just about growing us in HIM, but making sure that others witness the Glory of CHRIST by our trials, tribulations, and maturation process to which we are exposed.
“THE FOUNDER AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH” is what our lives should be all about, not living our best life now! We are simply broken mirrors that reflect HIS beauty from every prism that that results from HIM restoring our shattered selves. Proverbs 19:21 says it very well, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but IT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE LORD THAT WILL STAND”! Since HE is “THE FOUNDER AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH”, HIS will should be what we all are striving for, shouldn’t it???
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