Today’s reflection comes from Spencer Tamming. Spencer serves as the Director of Growth & Shared Services on our year-round staff team.
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3
Twice this week I have been reminded of a simple truth I want to pass on to you: We are saved because of the object of our faith, not the quality of our faith. Here’s what God used to draw my attention during this season.
The first was during a sermon on Exodus 14 when the people of Israel are led through Red Sea. We see in Exodus 13:17-18 that the intuitive escape route from Egypt would have been “by way of the land of the Philistines”. God, however, leads his people by another path, down to the Red Sea effectively cornering them. Put yourself in the shoes of an Israelite who didn’t know how the story was going to end. At this point you are likely confused and frustrated, not understanding why God has brought you here. As the Egyptians catch up to Israel, you find your enemy on one side and the Red Sea on the other. It’s easy to picture why the faith of many is faltering at this point. What is God doing? We see the Israelites mock God by calling out to Moses in Exodus 14:12 saying, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness… it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” A lot has changed in a few chapters. Back in Egypt, we saw a people trusting in God, putting the lamb’s blood over their doorposts in obedience, and following his lead as they confidently escape. Now at the bank of the Red Sea, those same people are consumed by fear and distrust. What has changed? Circumstances. God remains the same.
What I love about this story is what happens next. As the waters part and Israel walks across on dry ground, I’m sure there was a mix of Israelites that continued to doubt and those that had confidence their God would deliver. The beautiful part of the story is that they all walked across the Red Sea. Salvation from Egypt wasn’t dependant on the quality or strength of their faith. Both the confident and the wavering were saved. We serve a God who is FOR his people and a wavering faith won’t hold him back from securing their rescue. In times when you are doubting or struggling, remind yourself of this truth: ultimately it is not how strong your faith is that saves you, it is who your faith is in – Jesus Christ.
The second place that God brought this to my attention was while reading through Hebrews. As the author of Hebrews wraps up his thoughts, he says this:
Therefore, 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, 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
– Hebrews 12:1-3
When difficulty comes and we are prone to weariness, remember to fix your eyes on Christ. There is a greater joy set before us as believers, and God is calling you to it.
Continue to run the good race friends!
Spencer
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