Welcome!
Passage: Heb 12 (NIV 84)
Today: Running it right!
12 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. (Heb 12, NKJV)-emphasis added
The author of the book of Hebrews calls us to get rid of every burden and sin, and to run the “race of our lives” focused, and with endurance and steadiness
It is true that the burdens of life and the attachment to sin will really wear us down/slow our faith life
Our “race” is being watched by a “cloud” or a crowd of witnesses from above!
And we need to run on track and finish the race right:
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Tim 4, NKJV)-emphasis added
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; (1 Cor 9, NIV)
All the people we see around in church and all, are not going to make it; many are just “casual” runners, running because they happened to be there or because someone just “pushed” them in or because they were born to Christian parents or so; but then, there are some serious runners, who voluntarily got in, and they really want to win the race; they will sacrifice anything and everything, to win!
These are the days of “Eli”, when the word of God is rare and there are not much visions; people and those who lead them just like to “float” (1 Samuel 3: 1)
But “floating” things will “sink” one day or end up where the “flow” ends; those who are really serious, will be “rushing” in that direction, against the flow!
The “flow” is in the direction of hell and many are taught to “take it easy”; but the “easy” ones don’t end up where the “serious” ones will end up!
Christ came to save us from the “flow”; it takes a 1800 turn towards Him!
We need to shake the burdens and worries off our shoulders; we need to dis-connect ourselves from sinful nature and focus on Jesus and run!
It is about being different; what takes most of our time in the day?
If we are too much into anything other than God, it is possible that we will miss Him! This is the most important thing in life!
Those leaders who make/maintain “silly” or “simply” Christians need to go back to school and take a “refresher” or so; there is a cloud of witnesses waiting. They were not “simply” runners, but very serious ones, many of whom suffered much for the sake of their faith in God; they were treated like strangers in this world!
It is time to get serious about our race; this is true, not just a “hypothetical” one!
Have a blessed day!
BG
Prayer: Father God, I admit that I have been much less careful about my race of faith; I took it too light very often. Now, as I look at those who went ahead, I can’t make it unless I am serious about it; so help me God. In Jeus’ name, Amen
It’s not too late to change the course and get on track with God!