... fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author [archegos] and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Have you ever heard a song that just sticks with you through the years?

I can remember very vividly going to church on a Sunday night in the late 80’s and hearing a song from Psalm 40 .  The refrain was, “Whoa oh, oh, oh, what’s He’s done for me … I never will forget what He’s done for me.”  

Do you know what He’s done for you?

THE “ARCHEGOS”

Hebrews 12:2 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus because He is the author of faith.  The Greek word for author is archegos, a word that can also be translated founder, leader, or prince.  This word is beautifully pictured in maritime terms.    

Ships in the first century had an archegos on board.  The archegos was the man who could swim the strongest.  When the ship would approach land, sometimes the wind and the waves would prevent the ship from actually reaching shore.  In those instances, the archegos was called upon to save the day and get the passengers safely off the ship. 

This man would take a long rope and tie one end to the ship and the other to his waist.  He would dive into the billowing sea, fight through the wind and the waves, and reach the shore.  Once ashore, he would take that rope and tie it to a sturdy rock or a strong tree in order to make a way for the passengers to safely cross. 

Jesus is our archegos.  He willingly dove into the waters of sin and death for you and me.  He was under the water for a time … and His followers thought He was gone.  But on the third day, He rose physically, bodily, in power and glory.  He faced death and defeated death.  He made a way for us to safely cross over to heaven’s shore. 

Was it easy for Him?  No.  As a matter of fact, it was so hard that He sweated blood in the Garden of Gethsemane as He wrestled in prayer over the bitter cup of the sin of the world that was coming upon Him.  He said, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39 ).  And He willingly, obediently, lovingly dove into the stormy waters of sin and death. 

And He did all of that for you and me.  Wow!  A major WOW!! 

Take time today and thank Jesus for what He has done for you.  Live every day in awe of His love and sacrifice.  And remember, because Jesus is our archegos, all those who have received Him will one day mock at death and say, “O death where is your victory, O death where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55 ).  Our heavenly archegos has defeated death and invites you and me to share in His victory.  What a Savior!

Pastor Jeff Schreve