As a little girl, I loved watching Little House on the Prairie. I thought travelling west into the great frontier would be a great adventure. I wanted to go where no one has ever gone before and get a fresh start in life. It didn’t matter to me that this new life might be fraught with danger. I wanted to forge a path into the great unknown and be brave and free like the pioneers. What I didn’t know then was that as Christians, we can follow in Jesus’ footsteps and be pioneers of faith.
Jesus, the Pioneer of Our Faith
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the pioneer and perfector of our faith:
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. (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV)
The word pioneer was translated from the Greek word “archēgos”, which means: author, originator, founder, leader, ruler, pioneer, prince. Jesus is the pioneer of our faith because our faith began, or was founded, when we believed in Jesus. Jesus is also the Prince of Peace and the head, or leader, of the body of Christ (the church).
The Complete Meaning of Pioneer
However, I have often wondered why the author of Hebrews chose to use the word “pioneer.” When I think of the word “pioneer”, I think of people who adventured westward, exploring and blazing new trails into the western territory of the United States, like the characters in Little House on the Prairie. So, I questioned, “How was Jesus like an explorer or a trailblazer?”
The answer lies in the Hebrew meaning of the word. You see, although the writer of Hebrews is unknown, it is attributed to Paul, Barnabas, or Apollos. Paul was trained as a Jewish Pharisee. And both Barnabas and Apollos were Jewish and likely had a firm grasp of the Hebrew scriptures and language. Thus, they most likely drew on the Hebrew meaning as they were writing.
The Hebrew word for “pioneer” is “chalats”, which means “to rescue”, “draw out,” or “set free.”
When we put all those meanings together, we understand that Jesus is not only the founder and leader of our faith, but He broke through the barriers of sin and death and forged a path for us to follow. Jesus was the pioneer of our faith because he went first and cleared the way for our rescue and freedom.
Jesus, the Perfector of Our Faith
Not only was Jesus the pioneer of our faith, but He is also the ”perfecter” of our faith. “Perfecter” is the only translation of the Greek word “teleiōtēs.” But again, we can gain more understanding by exploring the Hebrew word. The Hebrew word for “perfector” is “tamim,” which means not only “perfect, “without flaw,” or “having integrity,” but also “whole,” “sound,” “complete,” or “a finished process.”
Jesus perfected our faith through His perfect obedience and sacrifice. Then He completed it through His resurrection. Jesus brings our faith to its ultimate conclusion, securing our eternal life with God.
The faith Jesus gave us as believers enables us to run our spiritual race with endurance. Jesus is the ultimate example of faith. When Jesus died on the cross for the joy of our salvation, he showed us how to endure hardship and shame and submit to God’s will.
Running Our Race
What is the race that’s marked out for us? Our race is to live in a manner that brings God glory and leads others into His kingdom. Jesus taught us how to do this: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mathew 5:16, NIV).
When we let our light, or faith in Jesus, shine for all to see, everything we do can bring God Glory and point others to Jesus. Therefore, we can be pioneers too, blazing a trail for our families, children, friends, and others to follow. Everything we do, every word we speak, leaves footprints for others to follow.
Let’s Be Pioneers of Faith
Friend, when we let our light shine, we can be pioneers, too, blazing a trail for our families, children, friends, and others to follow. Everything we do, every word we speak, leaves footprints for others to follow.
However, if we want to be pioneers of faith, we may need to ask ourselves some tough questions:
- Do we hold on to faith when life gets hard?
- Are we loving and encouraging to those around us?
- Do we serve and minister to others?
- Are we compassionate and generous?
- Do we show grace, mercy, and forgiveness?
- Would we ever dare share our faith with others?
Friend, if, like me, you don’t like the answer to some of those tough questions, don’t worry. You don’t have to be perfect to be a pioneer of faith. You can rely on the Holy Spirit to help, direct, and strengthen you. And if and when you fail, you can depend on God’s grace and mercy to forgive and help you so you can keep trying.
Being a pioneer of faith simply means striving to show faith and reflect God’s love through humility, patience, and love in our daily actions. When we do this with God’s help, we live a life worthy of the calling we’ve received” (Ephesians 4:1-2).
Let’s be pioneers and leave footprints that lead others to the freedom found only in Jesus!
Read About Pioneers of Faith
Mary, A Model of Humility, Faith, and Obedience
Ruth’s Redemption: A Journey of Love, Loyalty, and Faith
Four Life Lessons From Mary Magdalene
