Hebrews 12:1-4

I am no biblical scholar or hold any authority over scriptural study, but when I read God's Word I have a desire to be so. I want to understand the historical context, the present day applications, and the future implications of what is so eloquently written in such a grand book of truth and hope. I was particularly captivated by Paul's word choice in Hebrews 12:1-4 this afternoon so I decided to grab my dictionary and dive deeper to better grasp the weight of his words in this passage. I will type out the NLT then re-type it with the definitions of particular words marked in quotations.

Original:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin."

Inserted definitions:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us 'move at a speed faster than a walk, never having both or all the feet on the ground at the same time' with 'the fact, power, and capacity to last or withstand wear and tear' the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the 'person who has defeated or surpassed all rivals in a competition and fights for a cause or on behalf of someone else; historically - a knight who fought in a single combat on behalf of the monarch' who 'admits someone into an obscure society or group who possess and share not easily understood knowledge' and 'makes completely free from fault or defects' our 'complete trust or confidence in someone or something'. Because of the joy awaiting him, he 'suffered patiently' the cross, 'ignoring' its 'dishonor'. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's 'elevated and ceremonial chair for a sovereign figure used to signify sovereign power'. Think of all the 'opposition' he 'suffered patiently' from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin."

Reading the original challenged and strengthened me plenty, but re-reading it with the inserted definitions of key words brought the passage to life even more so. I originally sat down to do some Bible study to focus on the character of Jesus to them dream about the type of man I want to marry some day. Reading this scripture helped me see the type of man I want to marry, but also the type of wife I need to be and what our relationship will look like.

Jesus is a man who calls us to His power of endurance through the "wear and tear."
Jesus is a man who draws our gaze and our attention to Him and none other.
Jesus is a man who invites us into His walk of faith and obscure knowledge and insight of the gospel.
Jesus is a man who fights and works on our behalf in order to strengthen and perfect our complete trust in God Almighty.
Jesus is a man who disregarded, or in other words, ignored, the ultimate dishonoring brought forth by sinful people because he knew that his treasure and joy soon awaited him in heaven. He knew that this symbol of dishonor was orchestrated by his heavenly Father and existed to bring Him the most glory and Fame. He stayed focused on joy instead of suffering and being shamed by sinners.
Jesus is a man who patiently suffered. He was "slow to lose (his) temper with irritating people or circumstances." He was kind, patient, and considerate even in the midst of suffering. He was seen doing that. He is trusted to do that. He is praised for continuing to do that.
Jesus is a man who is elevated beside the throne of our sovereign King. He is in favor of our God and our Creator and he is beloved and made secure and confident in that love.
Jesus is a man who is secure in the love of God.
Jesus is a man who is worthy of our efforts to strive to possess the same example of character and faithful trust and love for His Only God and King. God is OUR Monarch and King and we are His ambassadors and warriors for His truth and His Word. Daily prepare yourselves for battle with His armor.

All for His Glory,
His Princess and His Bride