becoming champions of faith: Commitment

In an amazing moment in the 2024 Olympics the USA four-man rowing team won the gold medal! It was the first time in 64 years! Dwight D. Eisenhower was president the last time that the United States won a gold medal in this event. The team (Liam Corrigan, Michael Grady, Justin Best, and Nick Mead) was determined and committed to winning gold. They won silver at the world championship in 2023 and it gave them clarity about their goal for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. They made a commitment to win gold which by skill and blessing they were able to fulfill. Their win connects us to our sermon series Becoming Champions of Faith. Where would any of us be without commitment? You may not have won a gold medal but to achieve anything worthwhile, it usually requires commitment. Our scripture this week is Hebrews 11:39-12:4. This is a bridge from chapter 11 to chapter 12 but it is also a transition from the glorious past to engaging the grind of the present. These believers were struggling with the confusion, fear, and uncertainty of their circumstances. They were overwhelmed and wondering if they could continue to follow Jesus. These verses are inspired by the Holy Spirit to help them and every believer to find the strength of commitment to follow Christ even in the most difficult circumstances. It was not simply a matter of “gutting it out” or “fake it till you make it,” instead it was a clarity of heart that could empower them and us to follow our Savior. We find in these verses a path to that clarity which will share with us God’s strength and power. Our most sincere and earnest prayer is that you will sense the power of the Almighty God lifting you into joy and peace as you read Hebrews 11:39-12:4.

Hebrews 11:39-12:4 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, ⁴⁰ since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. 12:1 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 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. ⁴ In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. (NIV)