“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:1-2
These words follow the great chapter about the Old Testament heroes. The Lord perfects our faith… and we’ve got to remember he knows what he’s doing. “Leave your country and go to the land I will show you.” “You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you.” “Take your son, Isaac, whom you love, and sacrifice him as a burnt offering.” I wonder if Abraham asked, “Lord, is this journey supposed to be so difficult?” But God was perfecting a man’s faith… and looking ahead to bless all mankind. He was not setting up hoops for an old guy to jump through. God is not simply in search of good performance. His thoughts go far beyond ours. God’s motives are rooted in love and purpose. “Will a man believe me even when circumstances look impossible? Will a man trust me completely? Will a man even surrender my gift to him, his most precious possession – a beloved son? Will a man venture to be my friend?” When I compare myself to Abraham, I think of the prayer of a man Jesus encountered: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Here’s a more mysterious truth: the Lord is the Author of our faith. In the original language, this word translated, “Author”, appears four times in the New Testament. Jesus is the Author of life… without him we would not be here. He is the Author of salvation… without him we would be lost. He is the Author who gives repentance and forgiveness… without him sin consumes us. And he is the Author of our faith… without him we can’t even start the race.
Does this not put the emphasis where it belongs? Who can boast about his faith? Jesus is the Author and Perfecter! Who can boast about his love? “We love because he first loved us.” Who can boast about his finish? “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow…”
At this time of the year, I always like to invite people to join the good work of some of our missionary friends. John and Suzanne Hunter run a Christian school in a poverty stricken section of Windhoek, Namibia. I’ve been there five times and can attest that God’s love is poured out in an incredible way. Saturday, November 1, at 5:00 we will host an ‘Empty Bowl’ meal to support the Hunters and Community Hope School. Come visit with the Hunters, enjoy a simple meal, and bless vulnerable African children. John is a ‘master potter’ and will give an ‘empty bowl’ to those who want to donate to this ministry. The event will be held at the Family-Student Center at Greater Atlanta Christian School. If you can come, please send me an email by October 29.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10