Hebrews
11:17–31; 12:1–3—The epistle for
Sunday continues in the great chapter of faith, recounting Abraham’s testing,
Moses, and also the Children of Israel. Therefore, says the writer—that is,
since we since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses—we ought to
follow their example, and also cling in faith to Jesus, the founder and
perfecter of our faith, the One through whom we have salvation by His death,
and the One through whom we have salvation by His gift to us of faith in that
salvific death.
For the Christian life is a matter of keeping and
living by faith. In Hebrews 11 we were given a long list of people of the
faith. “Therefore” of our text refers to the faithful of Hebrews 11. On the
basis of others’ faith and in the light of their faith we are exhorted to run
the race of faith. The analogy of an athletic contest is used. In our
generation of sports craze, it is an appropriate analogy to running the race of
faith. This subject of faith may be harmonized with the theme of the day – the
fire of faith needs to burn endlessly in us.
“A great crowd
of witnesses” best illustrates that we are in a relay race where those who
have finished their course and handed in their baton are watching and
encouraging their successors.
“Throw off
everything that hinders,” is not necessarily “sin” but a hindrance that could
lead to sin, as sin is such as crippling hindrance to good running. Thus, we
are to throw off any situation that would be open to sin. We are called to win
the race which is long and up-hill. A lot of determination will be needed over
the long course of life.
Prayer for grace to receive the Word: Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy
Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them,
read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of
Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of
everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.[2]
Collect for Thursday of the Week of Pentecost 9: Almighty God, I bless Thee that Thy banner over us
is love. Help us keep our eyes upon it. May we fight under on other banner, and
may all our contentions and strivings be in the spirit of Christian love! Let
love be kindled in my heart today, and let it blaze and burn for Thee. Amen –
JH Jowett [3]
[1]
Lift High the Cross, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2]
Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St., Louis
[3]
Collect for Thursday of the week of Pentecost 9, For All the Saints, A Prayer
Book For and By the Church, Vol. II © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity
Bureau, Delhi, NY
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