pi·o·neer/ˌpīəˈnir/ noun: pioneer; plural noun: pioneers

1. a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area.synonyms:settler, colonist, colonizer, frontiersman/frontierswoman, explorer, trailblazer, discoverer “the pioneers of the Wild West”

(courtesy of Google Search)

I have recently begun reading a gem of a devotional that I picked up that a local used bookstore by Brennan Manning. It has proven to be a wonderful way to start my day before leaving the house for the hustle and bustle of the world. Scripture support for today’s reading comes from the Book of Hebrews: For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering. -Hebrews 2:10 (RSV). Again, the idea of Jesus as our Pioneer is repeated later in the book of Hebrews: 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 12:2 (RSV).

Jesus truly is our pioneer. For all of us, the idea of salvation through faith alone as a result of God’s grace and sacrifice in the person of Jesus is revolutionary. He has done what we could not through obedience to the law. The law has served its purpose: it has shown us our need for Christ. Because of Him, we can now settle in the Kingdom of God forever!