Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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
During 2026, Peachtree Church is inviting everyone into Cultivate, a churchwide discipleship plan centered on the fruit of the Spirit and the kind of life God longs to grow in us. Throughout the year, we’ll explore how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control take shape in everyday life through the Spirit’s work. Cultivate brings together worship, Scripture, group guides, and meaningful practices designed to meet you where you are and support growth in ways that fit your season. These twice-weekly devotionals are one way to stay connected, offering reflection and grounding for daily life with God. Whether you engage in many ways or just one, you’re invited to be part of this shared journey of becoming more rooted in who God has created and called you to be.
Devotional
Hebrews 12:1–3 calls Christians to a joy-filled endurance that is rooted in the saving work of Christ. The writer of Hebrews urges believers to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame.” We’re surprised by this idea, for who is eager to run straight toward the depth of suffering that Jesus endured on the cross? But, in a mystery, Jesus’ endurance makes Christian joy possible for the rest of us.
To rejoice in the cross is to recognize that God has acted decisively in history. The crucifixion is not merely an inspiring story about sacrifice; it is the turning point of the world’s restoration. As Fleming Rutledge writes in The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ,
“The cross is the definitive event through which God has acted to save the world.”
Rutledge emphasizes that the cross reveals God entering humanity’s darkest plight and overcoming sin and death through self-giving love. A thought that thrills both the mind and the heart.
Christian joy, then, does not come from pretending life is painless. It comes from knowing that the worst thing has already been faced and defeated by Christ himself.
Hebrews reminds weary believers that Jesus is both the “pioneer” and “perfecter” of faith. He blazed the trail and now completes the journey with us. When Christians feel exhausted by any suffering, shame, or discouragement, they are invited to look steadily at him.
For Reflection
- What has been the hardest thing that you’ve had to face in your life? How did you sense God’s help during it (either in the moment or as you reflect in hindsight)?
- Christ accompanies us in our challenges but so do others. Who has been a great and constant source of encouragement to you? Maybe you can send them a note or text to thank them for that.
- Jesus’ self-giving love is not only something we benefit from, but it is also a model for how we should live, too. How can you serve someone else today in the form of Christian love?
Prayer
Father, Son, and Spirit, we confess that we cannot quite comprehend why you would love us so deeply because we’ve sinned against you so many times. Allow your great love to wash over us once more. Allow it not only to make peace with our sins and short-comings but also allow it to inspire us to be people of self-giving love. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
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Devotionals