Hebrews 12:1a-3 And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Matthew 11:28-29 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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.30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Perseverance, endurance, grow weary, lose heart. Rest for soul, easy yoke, light burden. Which is it? If the burden of salvation is light, then why the caution against growing weary and losing heart?
Since Jesus did all the heavy lifting for us on the cross, the "requirements" to enter into heaven are "easy and light"; however, the Christian life does require endurance, hard work and sacrifice. If we look to Jesus as our example, we can be assured of trials and struggles.
Christians are provided two separate pieces of advice on how to make it through this life. Today's reading from Hebrews is one of those avenues. Paul viewed the Christian life as a marathon which required perseverance and dedication. He espoused a similiar view in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
In other New Testament writings, we are admonished to be joyful and thankful during times of trials and struggles. This suggests we are to do more than just endure.
Take it from one who tends to be more of an endurer as opposed to a thankfuller. Just trying to endure starts to wear you down. If your sole focus is just "getting through" you will quickly grow weary and disillusioned.
I don't do joy well. Half-empty glasses, boogey man under every bed and possible bad news each time the message light is blinking on the phone at work is my default mode. It is imperative we allow God to open our hearts and minds to the joy of the Christian life.
Joy is to be the hallmark of a Christian's life. Not only for our individual health and well being, but as an example to the world. Just because joy does not come naturally, does not excuse the absence of that in a Christian's life. If God instructs, he will equip.
Joyful perseverance. Without God's help, an impossible oxymoron. With God's help, the model Christian life.
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