JESUS, "DAVY CROCKETT" OF FAITH

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).

According to the text, Jesus is our pioneer, blazing a trail for us to follow.  The Greek word from which "pioneer" is translated is also translated as author, founder, captain, originator, leader,guide, and last but not least, champion.  In popular American culture, Davy Crockett, "king of the wild frontier," exemplified all of those qualities of a pioneer.  He is but a picture of what Jesus Christ actually did for us!  What is clear is that the author of Hebrews intended for his readers to see Jesus as the trailblazer who is the source salvation, guidance and inspiration for their lives because of what he accomplished for us; he is the true pioneer, our champion.

My great grandparents homesteaded the farm on which Helen and I live in 1871.  Silas, Rebecca and infant son, Henry, traveled across Iowa in a covered wagon powered by an ox team during the month of February so that they could be on the homestead by March 1.  Also it must be noted that February travel made it much easier to traverse the swampy land and rivers because they were frozen.  I have often drawn inspiration from them when I think of the hardships they endured as they were "pioneering" on the Northwest-Iowa prairie.  God forgive us for taking for granted what has been given to us because of the hard work and sacrifice of our forefathers and mothers.

A pioneer is a trailblazer so that others can follow and benefit from what he has accomplished.  Not only is Jesus life's "True North" reference point, he is the way, safely guiding us by blazing a trail for us to follow.  Do you trust him?  Often, the trail Jesus blazes is counter to conventional wisdom, for example, counting others better than ourselves (see Philippians 2:1-8), but that is the trail he has blazed.  Will you travel that road?

Grace&Peace;
Tom