Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. – Hebrews 12:2
Some Bible translations, such as the King James Version, render today’s verse, “the author and finisher.” New American Standard says, “author and perfecter.” The Living Bible says, “leader and instructor.” The Message says, “He both began and finished this race we’re in.” Your faith begins and ends with Jesus. He is the One working in you.
Through thick and thin, through hard times and easy times, through darkness and light, Jesus is the One at work in you through the Holy Spirit. As an author comes up with an idea, writes out a rough draft, and spends countless hours revising the manuscript, perfecting as much as possible, Jesus revises you. As a guide leads hikers through forest and mountain trails until they reach their destination, Jesus guides you along your path. As a teacher begins to teach a student and instructs them with great patience until they know the material well, Jesus is your Divine Instructor. As a builder starts construction with a foundation and spends months completing the project, Jesus is your Sure Foundation. As a coach pushes a runner to get in shape to run with endurance to the finish line, Jesus runs with you. Your faith is a work in progress.
Focus on the Lord in prayer and Bible study. Seek Him for answers and responses to all of life’s problems. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Intercede for the leaders and citizens of this nation to yield to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of faith. Pray that God will complete the good work He began in the United States of America.
Today’s Verse: Hebrews 12:2
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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 2:1-10
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
8 and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
