1,000,000 Chapters – Part 3 Sample

We all love a good ‘underdog story’, don’t we? In sports we love to root for the team that’s playing for their first championship against vs. a team with multiple championships. In movies, we love seeing characters rally back, in the most pivotal and dramatic moments, to achieve something that (just minutes earlier) seemed impossible. 

These dramatic moments, the ones that sometimes feel like they are swallowing us up because we get so emotionally invested, are usually sparked by something. Maybe a coach gives an impassioned half-time speech to his team, or in a movie there’s always ‘that one guy’ who says ‘that one thing’ at ‘that one moment’ which changes the trajectory of the movie (“They may take our lives, but they’ll never take OUR FREEEEEDOMMM!” – Braveheart). 

The book of Hebrews is that kind of moment for New Testament believers. It was written to a group of embattled believers who, in the face of frustrations, obstacles, and persecution, were tempted to revert back to their old ways. Old ways of life, old ways of practicing faith, etc. In order to do that, however, they’d have to give up their few faith and freedom in Jesus – and the author of Hebrews writes to help them avoid making such a devastating mistake.

Hebrews has three primary purposes: to present a picture of who Jesus is, to encourage believers to look to Jesus as an example, and to warn against abandoning their faith. A key word throughout the book of Hebrews is the word “better”. The author of Hebrews wants to remind readers that Jesus is a better! He is a better messenger than the prophets and angels (1:1-2:18), a better sacrifice than Old Testament sacrifices (10:1-18), and that the Christian life is a better way to live (10:32-12:29)! 

Hebrews 12 provides one of the most ‘motivational’ passages in all of scripture. If you are broken down and defeated today, let this be your rallying-cry, your motivational halftime speech, the crux of your dramatic rise from the ashes: 

“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)

Our purpose is found in something so much greater than the things this world can offer us. Hebrews is a great reminder to those who are struggling – a reminder that Jesus is better and that His way is worth the price we sometimes have to pay to follow Him.