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| I probably didn't listen to them because of G-funk's hair |
A few years ago,
Toni Ruth and I were talking about music - specifically about her accusations
that I'm a musical "elitist" (a well-founded and true accusation, by
the way). She was surprised to learn
that there was a substantial gap in my musical knowledge - I have not really
listened to Simon and Garfunkel. Besides
what I've heard on the radio and in public places, I've never really paid them
any attention. And as an amateur music
nerd (especially when it comes to classic rock and all its tributaries,
including folk), I should be familiar with Simon and Garfunkel.
I'm kind of feeling
the same way about the book of Hebrews.
I'm currently on chapter 12 and I've been really surprised by three
things in Hebrews:
- How familiar so much of it is, even though I've not really studied it in any kind of in-depth way. I've heard or said so many of the verses in the book, but I've learned that I've typically heard/said them out of context.
- I've been surprised by how important Hebrews is to a Protestant understanding of salvation. You only really need Romans and Galatians to go along with it and it's not too difficult to find all you need for a sufficient Protestant account of how God saves people through Jesus' death and resurrection.
- I'm actually pretty shocked that Paul was long considered to be the writer of Hebrews. Totally different style and points of emphasis.
So, that's all
pretty academic stuff and given what I said yesterday, I need to pay some
attention to the 'devotional' aspects of all this. It ain't that hard to do with Hebrews
12. For example, here's verses 1-2:
Therefore,
since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside
every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with
perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and
perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right
hand of the throne of God.
If you're a disciple
of Jesus, you're in it for the long haul.
The life of faith isn't a sprint, but a long distance journey. This is what I find so compelling and
encouraging about how United Methodists understand sanctification - the
lifelong process of God's grace at work through the presence of the Holy Spirit
in us, perfecting us in love. The whole
time, we are looking to Jesus, who has run this race to completion and showed
us the path that we are to follow.
The writer of
Hebrews also reassures us that we are not running alone. We are surrounded by a "cloud of
witnesses" who have run or are running the race alongside of us. That's why in 10:24-25, the writer says,
And
let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not
neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one
another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
I'll make a deal
with you - if you'll pray for me today as I'm seeking to run the race and keep
my eyes on Jesus, I'll pray for you as you do the same…
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