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In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered (Hebrews 2:10).

A new week, and into a new section of Hebrews (chapter 2), as we continue to explore Jesus the Radiance of God’s Glory.

I became a Christian in my late teens and was the only person in my family pursuing faith and going to church. As my priorities started shifting and I became more and more involved in church things, I found myself at odds with the adults in my family more often than I already had been as a strong-willed teenager. 

On more than one occasion I felt like my family didn’t understand and didn’t care to understand who I was and why I was trying hard to make changes in my life. I’m sure I even said it to them frequently with adequate amounts of puffed out breaths and eye rolls. 

I’ve come to realize that my perception of my family wasn’t entirely accurate, but I was a teenager with typical teenage angst… You remember that, right?

There have been times when I’ve felt similarly towards God even beyond my teenage years. 

When life has gotten particularly difficult --

When there has been pain and loss --

When the choices before me felt complex --

When I felt like I was missing out on the good life because of my faith --

When God has felt silent or distant --

When it has been like that, I’ve thought, I’ve prayed, I’ve felt: “God, you just don’t understand.”

Have you ever felt like that?

When I first read Hebrews 2:10 many years ago, the phrase was “author of their salvation”. Over the years, I’ve seen other words in place of “author”. Words like “leader” and “champion”.

There’s something about the word “pioneer” that stopped me in my tracks this time around. A pioneer has gone before. A pioneer has made a way. A pioneer has traversed all the obstacles. A pioneer has found a place to bring others to. A pioneer understands what it is like to go through the path. A pioneer gives confidence that one can make it.

Jesus went through the difficulties of life and is with us in ours.

Jesus experienced pain and loss and is with us in ours.

Jesus faced situations that were complex and made the right choices. He is with us and grants his wisdom.

Jesus made his way to a cross, not an easy or seemingly good end. And yet through that cross there was life everlasting. He has made that life available to us.

Jesus is with us. Jesus understands.

In what way might you need to experience Jesus as one who knows and understands you? Talk to God about that now.

As the pioneer of your salvation, Jesus knows how to get through obstacles or challenges you may be facing. Ask him to show you the way forward.

Finally, sometimes we just need some encouragement to press on. Invite Jesus to fill you with what you need to keep your eyes on Him and press ahead towards the fullness of life Jesus has promised and made way for.