I loved being in the book of Hebrews again this morning.
This has got to be my favorite epistle other than Philippians. I love how Jesus is described in Heb. 12:2 as the "Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith." Elsewhere I've argued that the word translated "Pioneer" refers to Jesus' role as the "Pacesetter" in the race we run as believers. In fact, if you'll notice the German below, you'll see that the New Geneva Bible actually says that Jesus is "den Wegbereiter des Glaubens, der uns ans Ziel vorausgegangen ist."
I might render this into English as "the Trailblazer of faith who has gone before us to the goal."
During my study this morning I ran across this poem by Shadrach Lockridge called "That's My King." May I share it with you?
He's enduringly strong
He's entirely sincere
He's eternally steadfast
He's immortally graceful
He's impeccably powerful
He's impartially merciful
That's my king!
He's God's Son
the sinner's Savior
the centerpiece of civilization
He's august and he's unique
He's unparalleled
He's unprecedented
He's supreme
He's preeminent
Do you know him?
My king is the key of knowledge
He's the wellspring of wisdom
He's the doorway of deliverance
He's the pathway of peace
He's the roadway of righteousness
He's the highway of holiness
He's the gateway of glory
He's the master of the mighty
He's the captain of the conquerors
He's the head of the heroes
He's the leader of the legislators
He's the overseer of the overcomers
He's the governor of the governors
He's the prince of princes
He's the King of kings
And he is the Lord of lords.
Yep. That's Jesus! No one and nothing compares to him, the "Pacesetter and Perfecter of our faith." When we're struggling to keep on running, we search for strength in all the wrong places. All that changes when we discover God's perfect provision for weary runners -- a fellow runner named Jesus. I would rather die than live without him.
I spent this morning with my hero, friend, and inspiration. How about you?