Runnin' a race
Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder 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."
Who are these witnesses that surround us?
Well, Hebrews 11 talks about many people who lived by faith. But I think also, that we as Christians live in a fish bowl. If it is known that we are Christians, everyone looks at our lives and judges our actions.
This is why we should "lay aside every weight, and sin", Christ has showed us how we should live, by devoting ourselves to God!
We are given a great analogy here. This life is a like a race, a long race! We will get tired as we run, but we must keep our focus on Jesus. He has already run the race.
I look at this in 2 ways. If you are behind someone in a race, you can focus on them, this helps me to not think about how much farther I have to go, I just need to keep up with that person for now. Also, with an eternal perspective, always looking to the joy that is at the end of the race.
Jesus ran the race with Joy! He endured the Cross with Joy!
Why? Because he knew what was on the other side of the cross! Eternity in Heaven! Eternity with His brothers (those who believe in Him) in Heaven!
Sometimes we need to just follow the one in front of us to maintain, but we must not loose that eternal perspective, that is where our hope and joy come from!
I would love to dive into this more, but I don't have the time. Sorry. At least this is something to think about!
In Christ,
Dave
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder 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."
Who are these witnesses that surround us?
Well, Hebrews 11 talks about many people who lived by faith. But I think also, that we as Christians live in a fish bowl. If it is known that we are Christians, everyone looks at our lives and judges our actions.
This is why we should "lay aside every weight, and sin", Christ has showed us how we should live, by devoting ourselves to God!
We are given a great analogy here. This life is a like a race, a long race! We will get tired as we run, but we must keep our focus on Jesus. He has already run the race.
I look at this in 2 ways. If you are behind someone in a race, you can focus on them, this helps me to not think about how much farther I have to go, I just need to keep up with that person for now. Also, with an eternal perspective, always looking to the joy that is at the end of the race.
Jesus ran the race with Joy! He endured the Cross with Joy!
Why? Because he knew what was on the other side of the cross! Eternity in Heaven! Eternity with His brothers (those who believe in Him) in Heaven!
Sometimes we need to just follow the one in front of us to maintain, but we must not loose that eternal perspective, that is where our hope and joy come from!
I would love to dive into this more, but I don't have the time. Sorry. At least this is something to think about!
In Christ,
Dave
posted by Mark 1:17 at 4:00 PM
1 Comments:
thank you for responding on my blog.
God bless you and He is going to use you greatly.
SEE YA IN HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!
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