Hebrews always describes sanctification as being by faith alone but not of faith alone. Reflect on Hebrews 11:1-12:2 as the text is read aloud and exposited. Notice what precedes this text. The danger here is about shrinking back. The perseverance must be a perseverance of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 really concludes this section by summing up the function of the list in Chapter 11 and then highlighting the exemplary role of Jesus. Hebrews 12:1 sums up the function of Chapter 11. We are to imitate by running with endurance, laying aside distractions, and casting off indwelling sin. Consider that we are made to imitate that which we love and idealize. Are we going to present Christian exemplars of faith? The use of this kind of list is a remarkable list of diversity. The list culminates in Jesus as the highest example. We should think of imitation not as slavish repetition nor as disconnected do-it- ourselfness but rather as contextual replication- the same journey but in our own distinct context. Reflect on fides qua creditor – the faith by which we believe. On the pilgrimage, are we faithfully keeping the faith and being led by the great cloud of witnesses and are we faithfully walking our step in the journey in our time and space. Reflect that Hebrews 12-13 concerns the suffering, disciplined life. Consider an introduction to Matthew Thiessen’s essay, Hebrews 12.5-13, the Wilderness Period, and Israel’s Discipline.