Reference Points, Part Three Series

The first passage of scripture that comes to mind is Hebrews 12:1-3.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) 1 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. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Four things make me think of reference points in this passage. First, there’s the athletics metaphor, used often in scripture. There’s this race we’re all in as followers of Christ, and the fact that any race requires reference points. This is a race that requires perseverance, that requires us to throw off everything that hinders us, and to throw off sin. This race is marked out for us. That means there are reference points, to tell us how we’re doing, and whether or not we’re advancing in this race.

Here’s one comparison the writer of Hebrews uses that illustrates the idea of reference points:

Just as a runner concentrates on the reference point of the finish line, we should concentrate on Jesus, the goal and objective of our faith. That brings us to the second reference point. The key phrase here is in verse 2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.”

Why? Because Jesus is our reference point. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, remembering that He endured the cross, and that he did it for the joy set before Him, remembering that he scorned the shame of the cross, remembering these things, helps us as a reference point to how we’re doing.

Are we enduring? Do we scorn the shame of the cross? Or are we not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Jesus is our example. He sets the standard for us. He’s our reference point when it comes to running this race. He’s our reference point when it comes to endurance.

Third, Jesus is both the author and the perfecter of our faith. That means He’s the beginning of our faith, the author, and the end of our faith, that is, our faith is completed in Him. He’s the starting line of the race, and the end, or finish line of the race. What’s more, He’s also the supreme witness, the One who has already run the race, and has overcome. He’s our example, and the One who can tell us how it’s done.

Isn’t that a good reference point for us? Think of those who’ve done something we aspire to…aren’t they reference points for us – an encouragement, a goal to seek? Jesus is the ultimate in this regard.

Finally, there’s the admonition in verse 3 to “consider Him.” To consider Jesus. To think about His endurance, the opposition He endured from sinful men. That’s our reference point. When we’re tempted to grow weary in this race of the Christian life we run, when we’re tempted to lose heart, we fix our eyes on Jesus. We consider His life, His example. That reference point tells us how we’re doing. It’s a comparison. Jesus our reference point encourages us, motivates us, tells us we’re moving forward in the race, or maybe convicts us that we need to do better.