“Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.” – Hebrews 12:3 (NCV)
Many of them would die at the hands of Nero in AD 64. But up until that point they had largely avoided execution. Still, life was not easy for early Christians. They endured many hardships, both socially and economically. And they encountered opposition and persecution at every turn, from both Jews and Romans. They were hanging by a thread, but they kept holding on and wouldn’t let go.
The Book of Hebrews was written to those early Christians who were tired and on the verge of giving up and falling back into Judaism. But the message in Hebrews would provide them the spark of conviction and courage they desperately needed.
Most Christians today do not live in fear for their health and safety. Few of us face the level of economic hardship that the early Christians faced. But we do live in a society today in which it is becoming increasingly unpopular to take a stand for Jesus. And when we do, we assume the associated risks of losing our jobs, losing our friends, losing our reputations, not to mention losing our dwindling freedoms to express our Christian beliefs. And sometimes even losing those family members who we dearly love.
This should come as no surprise to any Christian today, but it’s becoming less and less popular to be a follower of Christ. In the words of one of my favorite teaching pastors who I follow regularly (Alistair Begg), “If you love Jesus, you are going to be hated.”
So the truth is that we need just as much encouragement today as those early Christians did back in the first century. But no greater encouragement exists for us today than the perfect example of Jesus himself.
Consider this:
- At his own synagogue, people wanted him dead.
- A group of people tried to throw him over a cliff.
- Religious leaders constantly tried to trap and embarrass him.
- He endured many lies; they called him a drunk and a glutton.
- He was betrayed by one of his own disciples.
- He was mocked and beaten by many.
- His own people cried out against him, “Crucify him!”
But quitting never entered Jesus’ mind. He never gave up. He finished the race, for you and me.
So as we run our race, let us remember everything that Christ endured for us. He could’ve walked away from all that he went through, and he would’ve been completely justified in doing so. But he chose to complete his mission on earth and accepted all of the ridicule, pain and torture, and eventually death. He did that for us.
So when you feel tired and feel like giving up, Think about Jesus example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.
He never gave up on us.
Former Blackout Artist 