Could you use a new approach?

Hebrews 12:1-3 might be the most well-known passage in all of the book of Hebrews. When I come to a very familiar passage I like to look at different translations. As I’ve told you before, I really like The Message. Eugene Petterson translated the Bible into street language. That way, we all can understand it.

Take a look at this unique picture of these powerful verses as we get our week started.

“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Hebrews 12:1-3 MSG)