Hebrews 12:2 … 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.
Yesterday we focused on God our Savior. Today’s verse speaks of the ways He has redeemed us and acted as our Savior. But we have two new names to focus on today. He is the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith.
A pioneer is a person who is among the first to do something. God is the pioneer of faith. Pioneer is the direct translation of the Greek word “archegos” and it is used four times in the New Testament. A pioneer is one who goes before others, in front, or first. John the Baptist was a type of pioneer. But Jesus is our true Pioneer. He came to earth as a baby, then began His ministry about thirty years later, bringing the good news and making the way for our salvation.
It is interesting to note that in the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for pioneer is “chalutz” and is most often translated as “warriors” or “armed men.” I love the idea that Jesus was the warrior that fought sin and conquered death. Such vivid and impressive imagery there.
He is also the Perfecter of faith. He not only was the first, the Way (John 14:6), but He is perfecting (which can also be translated from Greek as “finishing” or “completing”) faith. He did this through giving Himself on the cross and rising again three days later.
Another devotion I read gave a great application of perfecting faith. We take God at His word and we act on that promise accordingly. So Jesus was the first, the pioneer, making the way for us to be saved, and then He completed it by conquering death and sin. We can take Him at His word and we can make the choice to seek forgiveness and to live a life worthy of Him.
Today try to thank God for making the way for you. He forged that path and He made it straight, clear of obstacles and pitfalls, just for you. Thank Him for being the pioneer of faith and making it perfect.
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