Hebrews 12 - Who Is Going to "High Five" Us At the Finish Line!

 Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 12

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. Hebrews 12:1-3

Why I trained to run a marathon what I wore and took with me was important.  On the one hand I didn’t want anything that would unnecessarily weigh me down or be a distraction.  My shirt and shorts were lightweight and breathable.  

On the other hand, I did carry a water bottle, which was kind of a hassle, but without it I would be in trouble because I was prone to dehydration.  I was so glad I did have it at the end of the race when I was indeed dehydrated.  Everyone talks about hitting the wall at 20 miles and their legs start cramping up. Many runners don't realize it is usually because they are dehydrated. 

The author of Hebrews says something similar when he says to “throw off everything that is a hindrance to you and also the sin that so easily entangles you."  He reminds us that the Christian life is more of a "marathon than a sprint". 

When I ran a marathon my eye was always on of how great it would feel when I finished. I could endure the pain of running 26 miles by realizing how satisfying it would be to cross that finish oline and be congratulated by my family and friends who cheered me on 

In the same way the author tells us to "FIX our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector our faith". While Jesus finished the race, he died on the cross and accomplished for us our salvation we needed to be made right with God. He could have stopped short and quit. We know it was hard because he struggled and prayed in anguish. He was sweating "drops of blood" and cried out, "Father, if is possible please take this cup away from me."  Thank God, when Jesus "hit the wall", he did not quit, or else we would still be stuck in our sins. 

We too need to finish the race not to earn our salvation but to live a life worthy of our calling in response to what Jesus did for us. In a similar way, Paul tells us to, "Not receive God’s grace in vain!" 

Whether we are going through trials and tribulations, like the Hebrews were going through. Or, God is disciplining us to make us stronger. God is preparing you for heaven. One day this race will be over and our battle against sin will be finished. 

As we keep our eyes focused on Jesus as we cross the finish line, we will be filled with "inexpressible joy". We will be greeted by all the saints who have gone before us, and the biggest “high five” will come from Jesus himself. 

As Paul says in Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it” 

Jesus, that you for dying for us on the cross and finishing your race. As we keep our eyes on you we know we will meet you at the finish line and enjoy the best celebration ever. Amen. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Romans 3 - Alien Righteousness

Romans 3 - NIV Enduring Word Commentary Righteousness Through Faith 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[h] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[i] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. These are some of the most important verses written by Paul in all of scripture. Paul has shown why no person could hope to be made right with G...
Read more

Revelation 1 - John's Vision of Jesus

  Click Here to Read or Listen to Revelation 1 Today we start reading one of the most exciting, enigmatic, and complicated books of the bible. The Revelation of Jesus to Saint John on the island of Patmos. I have read this gospel and written about it several times, and I still feel like there is so much of it I don't understand. As with any book of the bible, the context of when it was written and to who is of paramount importance.  Here are some background links from notable commentaries on the book of Revelation. It would be really helpful if you read them before we start reading through John's letter. Actually you might not think, but the Wikipedia link is very helpful and well written too.  Insight for Living Commentary Got Questions Overview Wikipedia One of the challenges we will face as we go through this book together is that on one hand this book is written to the seven churches in Asia who are facing persecution. And, it is also a "revelation" or an unveilin...
Read more

Matthew 18:6-9 Causing to Stumble

Causing to Stumble 6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. Reflection: Matthew reminds us today that we don't live only unto ourselves. Our actions have repercussions on others either directly or indirectly. This is especially true for children and youth, who are impressionable. I still remember when I was...
Read more