Let's Go Mets!

In the epistle to the Hebrews, the author exhorts his readers and us to hold onto the faith (10:19-25), to resist falling away (10:26-31), and to not abandon the faith (10:32-39). With a litany of Old Testament saints showing the way, and Jesus as the supreme example, we are exhorted to run the race to the finish line (11:1-12:3). In chapter 12 we are called to endure the race with hardship as discipline designed by our heavenly Father for our good (12:4-11). But trials can become discouraging, and a common reaction to suffering is to give up; so, we need others to cheer us on helping us to win. As we look around at those in our church who are suffering, we are charged to lift a drooping hand, strengthen weak knees, or smoothen out the path for the lame (12:12-13). There are times in every Christian's life where they feel weak and weary, but God has placed all of us, His children, in a family – the church – with brothers and sisters who are heading in the same direction, with whom we pursue peace and holiness (12:14) until the end of the race. God's grace abounds in community.