Hebrews Chapter 12.

Hebrews Chapter 12.

"Looking off." `Aphorao', means:-

           

1.  To look away from all else, fix one's gaze upon."  We must look away from ourselves.  We can become engrossed in ourselves.  This may discourage us, or it may tempt us to think that we have made real progress and relax our effort.  Don't let us waste our time, merely impressing ourselves or others with our attainments.

           

We are told whom we are to look away to, it is to Jesus.  It is not to the galleries of the heroes of faith that we fix our gaze.  Not to Moses - not to Elijah - but as we see the three disciples on the holy mount, by their experience, was to see no man save Jesus only.  They had no eyes for anyone or anything save Jesus.  It seems appropriate that the name of Jesus should be used, for the One who is now exalted before our gaze, is One who realised in fullness and completion the life of faith.

           

Our gaze must be fixed on "the Author and Finisher of our faith."  This is not merely a backward look, it is an upward and onward look, but it is to look at Jesus, who in His earthly life was the perfect exemplar of faith.  The saints of the past were witnesses to faith, but Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith.  The N.E.B. translates, "on whom faith depends from start to finish."

           

For the Author, some prefer `Pioneer', for His is One who trod the path of faith before us and trod it - completed it - to the end of the course.  He is the supreme pioneer of personal faith and trust in God.  He stands out, distinct from all others.  As the Founder, Pioneer, He is also the Leader.   It is possible, that the name Jesus, is intended to take us back to Joshua, and that we are to think of Jesus as the Leader, the Captain, the Standard Bearer, who leads His people to victory.

           

The second title belonging to Him is that He is the Finisher' of faith.  He not only speaks the first word, but also the last.  The Finisher or Perfecter of faith is not here referring to Jesus as the Fulfiller of the Divine promises as to the Christian faith or religion, though that may not be entirely excluded.  But, in Him, personal faith had its complete realisation, for He was the perfect embodiment of faith and, as such, He is the Consecrator, Perfecter, of the faith of those who believe.  It must include this idea: He perfects us in our religion.  We look away to One, who never failed in the course of faith, and we look to One who helps us as we run the race.  We need not fear, nor become discouraged, for He now stands in full view to the eye of faith, the One who is the Perfecter of faith.  "Who for the joy," etc.

           

The writer seems to suggest that the Cross was the supreme example and illustration of faith.  We are told what was the "joy set before Him."  It may refer to His exultation as the Mediator.  Now as the Mediator and High Priest, He occupies the supreme place of power and authority.  As occupying such a place, He can say, "Behold I and the children that God did give to me." (2:13).

           

He endured the Cross.   Endurance demands purpose, obedience, dedication to suffering.  Thousands suffered crucifixion but, concerning Jesus, it is written: He endured the Cross.  All that this meant to Him, we may not grasp; it was surely deeper than the shame which He despised.

           

He endured the Cross - He did not falter nor fail - He saw it all the way through, despising the stinging indignity.  Crucifixion was a terrible death, reserved for slaves and criminals - what resolution on His part - the shame that would have kept other men back - He despised. 

           

"Did sit down."  Perfect tense, ` kekathiken'.  The tense implies He sits there.  The right hand is the position of favour, honour and privilege.  The Throne of God is the final throne in the universe.  Compare the shame of crucifixion with the honour that now belongs to Him.  This was the goal that was His.

            12:3.  "Consider."  Compare your sufferings by the side of His.  Jesus suffered worse than anything you have to bear.  We must `nerve' ourselves then to endure, lest we grow weary and faint.  We must look at the One - consider Him - who had been through it all, and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God.

            Christians ought then to consider and meditate on the Person and Destiny of Jesus, for His example shall preserve us from discouragement.