Hebrews 12 - 5.22.24
Scripture
Hebrews 12: 1-3
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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Observation
1. Let US run the race
2. Fixing our eyes on Jesus
Application
Us – Notice the term us instead of me. Running is frequently a singular pastime, but sometimes a team sport. My daughter ran on the cross country team throughout high school and into college. The team practiced together, encouraged and challenged each other to be better, and hung out together. The goal was not to create one great runner, but to create a great team of runners. When they competed, they tried to stay together as one pack for as long as possible during the race. Likewise, following Jesus is not a solo endeavor – we need to be part of a team heading the same direction, who will support us and challenge us. Thank you to my DSC family!
Run the race – Cross country teams run a challenging 2-mile course, up and down steep hills and uneven paths, in rain, cold or extreme heat, trying to finish below 18 minutes. There are injuries, failures, and disappointments. It is a struggle! A Greek word for race is agona, or struggle. These runners acknowledge and accept the struggle in front of them – to them the prize is worth the struggle. Throughout the New Testament, we are urged to run the race. We have many promises in the Bible, but a life of ease is not one of those promises. Following Jesus means accepting that there will be hard times, but He is in control and will be with us through it all.
Fix our eyes on Jesus – Other races have “pacers,” whose job is to help a runner keep to a certain pace or help them stay on the course. Some of our team members can serve as pacers for us – people who mentor and disciple us. But our great pacer is Jesus. And we shouldn’t just look to Jesus, but FIX our eyes on him, focus all our attention on him, laying aside anything that distracts us from him.
Let us throw off everything that hinders – “Sin can hold us back. But there are also things that may not be sin but are merely hindrances that can keep us from running effectively the race God has for us.” (Enduring Word) Some choices are between right and wrong (sin), but other times we need to choose between what is acceptable and what is BETTER.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for the opportunity to spend time with you, practicing for the race ahead. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you, whatever comes my way, so that I can run the race set before me today with strength and endurance.
- Debbie Dunn
