HARD WORK

The book of Hebrews tells of the ‘heroes of the faith’ in chapter eleven and then has these classic lines next in chapter twelve:

“Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses
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 12:1-2)

In reading these two chapters I was reminded of a quote I read in one of Madeleine L’Engle’s books, “Hard work’s not easy.” Living a life of faith and works takes effort and lots of it. Jesus said, ‘His yoke is easy’ and I just think that means it makes the hard work easier. I do not believe that being an apprentice to Jesus is some of kind of soufflé grace that requires no knowledge, effort and sweat. The people in Hebrews 11, the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ bears this out.

We ‘run the race marked out for us’ and try ‘not to grow weary and lose heart.’ Hard work’s not easy.

“My Father is working still, and I am working.” Jesus