We embark on Wednesday of Holy Week. We will go through our routines of the day in work, school, and whatever activities we have on our agenda. Many of us will gather this evening for Bible Study, fellowship, and accountability. This morning let me share some words from the Hebrew writer.
Hebrews 12:1-3
1. WHEREFORE seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
I chose the King James Version this morning because it uses the word “Author”. Jesus Christ wrote the book on suffering love. He goes before us and shows us the way. We are invited to lay aside our sins, grow more faithful, and to persevere to follow Christ who leads us. This is the picture of life long growth in grace that is a process and a race we run. This race was run by so many who have gone before us with Jesus leading the way. Let us see their example and let us run the race faithfully, setting aside sin that entangles us and weighs us down.
God doesn’t want His children to be constantly burdened with habitual sin, selfish living, and destructive ways. It destroys our lives and the purpose He has set before us on this Earth. He wants to help you and me shed this weight so that we can run stronger, faster, and with more endurance.
Closing Thought – As we go through this day with this scripture in mind, what weight, burden, or sin are you carrying that you need to set aside heading into Easter? Who is among the great cloud of witnesses that you can point to as an inspiration to motivate you to persevere in the faith today?
Let us run the race set before us as we are lured forward by that company of saints and by our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord!!!
Have a great day!