Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)
In the last writing we looked back over Hebrews 11, which has always been considered as Faith’s Hall of Fame. For me, I am comforted to know that none of these men or women were perfect. They didn’t always get it right; yet, they kept getting up and going again. Sometimes they stood very strong and at other times they stumbled along the path. For some their lives were surrounded by great and wondrous miracles; others, suffered great loss and persecution. All had times of great trials, sorrows, and struggles.
Life is really tough at times. No matter how carefully we try to plan our lives; unexpected storms come and surround us. There are times along this journey that our body, spirit and heart are wearied and we just don’t know if we can go one more step. We look behind and see the broken pieces scattered along the path. We wonder how God could still love us. We have said things we wish could be taken back; but alas, it is too late.
Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17 as our Great High Priest.
Holy Father, keep the men you gave me by your power that they may be one, as we are one. As long as I was with them I kept them by the power that you gave me; I guarded them, and not one of them was destroyed, except the son of destruction—that the scripture might come true.“And now I come to you and I say these things in the world that these men may find my joy completed in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, for they are no more sons of the world than I am. I am not praying that you will take them out of the world but that you will keep them from the evil one. They are no more the sons of the world than I am—make them holy by the truth; for your word is the truth. I have sent them to the world just as you sent me to the world and I consecrate myself for their sakes that they may be made holy by the truth. “I am not praying only for these men but for all those who will believe in me through their message, that they may all be one. John 17:11-26 (PHILLIPS)
Jesus knew that we would face trials, sorrows, fatigue, and even despair at times in this journey. He is seated on God’s right hand always making intercession for us. He is praying for us, cheering us on along this journey called life. We are not exempt as Christians from all of the effects of this broken world nor the effects of evil; yet, we are held firm to the end by God’s Hand of Grace. We are not without hope, even in the darkest night. We are not without joy even when sorrow surrounds us. We can lay aside all of the encumbrances that weigh us down. We can cast aside all of the guilt, fear, and regrets which steal our joy from us. We can cling tight to Jesus. And if we need to sit for a moment and rest; be assured that God is there to comfort us, provide for us and strengthen us for the next lag of this race. How can I be certain? Jesus Christ, God’s Beloved Son has pleaded my case for me.
[tweetthis]So how do we run this race? We keep our eyes on Jesus!![/tweetthis]
The Video I chose for you today is Running– John Piper Sermon Jam
The picture used by permission: http://www.lifeofpix.com/photographer/maxmartin/ The inscription I added.
J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
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