Hebrews 11:39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Yes, I'm one of those people. Sometimes when I eat a meal I will not eat a little of this, then a little of that, making the rounds on my plate. I will eat just a little of what I like best, saving the rest of it for last. I am also one of those people who have little regard for the man-made chapter divisions in scripture, thinking we should always seriously consider "running the stop sign" and reading right through them, because the opening verses are actually part of the previous chapter. Such is the case here - on both points. First, God has saved the best for last in sending His Son. That is the case throughout the whole book here: Christ, and new life in Him, is better than anything under Moses, the prophets, or the Old Covenant system. Christ is also the best example of a Hero of Faith, many of whom who are listed in chapter 11. So, the writer says: "Consider Him. Follow Him. Trust in Him. Secondly, since Christ is better than any other, He is simply the Best. The Best revelation of God, the best way to approach God, the best sacrifice for sin, and the best picture of how we should then live. If we have found Christ, (and let Him "find us"), we have found the Best. Stick with Him, Follow Him, depend on Him and Him alone to take us to God.
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