Hebrews 12:1-8, 15-16 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 12:1-8, 15-16 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 12Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, Verse 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Verse 3Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.
Verse 4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Verse 5And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children- "My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; Verse 6for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts." Verse 7Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? Verse 8If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. Verse 15See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled. Verse 16See to it that no one becomes like Esau, an immoral and godless person, who sold his birthright for a single meal.
Devotion
We are not alone. Because the gospel for this week calls us to radical hospitality today we remember the great cloud of witnesses who have brought the poor and persecuted to tables full of food and love. Dietrich Bonhoeffer lived God's love for our Jewish cousins and resisted Nazi genocide. Dorothy Day started the Catholic worker movement among the poor in New York City. Mother Teresa saw the lepers of Calcutta as Jesus himself. Lutheran Social Services and Lutheran World Relief gather all of us and our gifts in this great cloud of witnesses.
Closer to home people we know see to it that anyone who is grieving gets food and support for those hard steps away from a fresh grave. The congregations I served faithfully equipped me to buy meals, gas or emergency relief for any neighbor who came by in special need. All of these are reminders of Jesus who insisted on eating with tax collectors and sinners. We are not alone. As part of a great cloud of witnesses we work to help everyone feel the grace God has poured out for them.
Prayer
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest and let these gifts to us be blessed. Amen.