The Weary in Heart
“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, 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. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted”— Hebrews 12:1-3
This past week has been an interesting one to say the least. From family to job to just life, I’ve had things come up that have burdened my heart. In the midst of it all, the Lord in His kindness, brought these verses up in multiple ways. Through my bible reading plan and a dear friend texting me to encourage me, the Lord drew me to study this chapter. It was like He was confirming for me that regardless of everything, I needed to continue to endure. However if you’re anything like me when you read the Word you may ask, how? Or depending on how faint your heart is you may even ask: Lord, don’t You see me? Lord, don’t You care? Lord, don’t You understand how hard it is?
Well you’re in the right place because these 3 verses alone are rich with the answers you need.
You are Surrounded by a Great Cloud of Witnesses
Jesus is the Founder and Perfecter of Your Faith
He Endured, so Endure
You are Surrounded by a Great Cloud of Witnesses
First, surrounded.
As I am writing this 2 Kings 6 comes to mind. Not because it is necessarily a related verse but because when I think about being surrounded I am reminded of Elisha, his servant, and the King of Syria.
“So he [King of Syria] sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” — 2 Kings 6:14-17
That’s my prayer, that the Lord would open your eyes and my eyes to see the more with us.
Second, great cloud of witnesses.
I want you to take the time to read Hebrews 11. Take note of all those mentioned ‘By Faith,’ and what they did or endured. One example being Moses: “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.”— Hebrews 11:24-26.
Now, ‘Let us’
Do you now see how you are not alone? You were never called to run, lay aside, or to endure on your own. It’s plural for a reason. Look at all those who have come before you as examples. Even now look at all those who are walking beside you by faith.
Jesus is the Founder and Perfecter of Your Faith
Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Your faith was not founded in you, so it can not be perfected by you. It is a gift from God and is founded in Jesus. I love another version of Hebrews 12:2 that says He is the author and the finisher of our faith. Let me ask you this to make a point: Have you ever started something and failed to finish it? If your answer is no, congratulations, you’re perfect. But for the rest of us sinners, our answer is yes, a thousand times yes.
Well Jesus is not like us. He is the One that all things were created through (John 1:3) and everything He starts, He finishes. That, my friend, is good news, especially for your faith. If He has gifted you with it, He will perfect it, even in seasons of weariness.
He Endured, so Endure
Scripture doesn’t just say He endured because He is God. He certainly is. Nor does it just say He endured because it was the Father’s will. He certainly did. In these verses it tells us that He endured for the joy set before Him so that we would not grow weary or fainthearted.
Jesus Himself tells us in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” And Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.”
He doesn’t ask us to do something He Himself didn’t do. Because He endured and overcame, we can now endure not only through His example but through the means in which He provides. Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
So, let your weary heart find comfort in Jesus. The One who is the founder and perfecter of your faith. The One who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. The One who endured hostility from sinners so that you would not grow weary. Friend, consider Him and never stop looking to Him! Only in doing so can you lay aside every weight and sin. Only in doing so can you run the race set before you. And only in doing so can you find the joy you need to endure all things.
