Friday 03 November 2023

Psalm 9:1-11

Background

This passage begins with one of the ‘therefores’ that are common in the New Testament letters. It's a pivot point where we move from considering theology to practical action. 

 Verse 1 says: "Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…". That was the message of the previous chapter, but the writer of Hebrews is keen to reinforce the point. Since we have the examples before us of Old Testament prophets such as Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Samson, etc, we should take action.

 We as 21st century readers can add modern examples to this 'great cloud of witnesses', since we are surrounded by the lives of great people from church history: John Wesley, George Whitefield, Catherine Booth, William Carey, Smith Wigglesworth, Hudson Taylor, Elisabeth Eliot, to name a few.

Verse 1 continues (in the New International Version) "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 life of faith causes us to live out these objectives. Like long-distance runners, we single-mindedly pursue our objectives, throwing off anything weighing us down, keeping going through hardships and tiredness, clear on the destination we are running towards. Despite difficulties, we are encouraged to keep on running. And the obstacles we encounter can be thought of as making us stronger.

 Today's passage ends with a beautiful contrast between the blood of Jesus and the blood of Abel. In the book of Genesis, after his murder, the blood of Abel is said to cry out from the ground, asking for revenge. (4:10-11) By contrast, the blood of Jesus requires no vengeance, but actually settles all the feuds, crimes and unfair punishments that have taken place down the ages.

To Ponder:

• Who in the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ inspires you the most? And why?
• Can you give examples of 'throwing off sin that so easily entangles'?
• Can you give examples from your life of 'running with perseverance the race marked out for you'?
• What does it mean for you to fix your eyes on Jesus?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to be inspired by those who have gone before to live out lives of faithful service to you. May we throw off the sin that hinders, run with perseverance answering your call on our lives, and keep our eyes fixed always on yourself. Thank you for the power, the forgiveness, and the righteousness that comes from your blood. Amen.