Hebrews 12:1-3 – “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. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”  NKJV

 

Having paused yesterday after two (2) thoughts we pick up there to look at the other thoughts which are able to encourage us and inspire us to fight the good fight of faith, run the race and finish the course.  We saw:

1. The Great Cloud of Witnesses.
2. Paul Reminded His Listeners of the Reason for Remembering Them. 

Now we come to additional thoughts for Living and Spiritual Development in Hebrews 12.  Consider with me…

3. Paul Then Addresses, the “Endurance Factor” or “Longevity” of the race…

We must never forget that this is not a Sprint but a Marathon.  Life, personal problems, personal battles, personal demons all must be viewed other than something that is passing and is a part of the big picture.  Life is a marathon and every day presents new challenges so if we remember those who have gone before us and succeeded and allow all our flaws and failures to be exposed to the light “THEN” we put ourselves in a position to develop the endurance for the long haul.  However, that is not possible if we “fix” our eyes anywhere other than Jesus.

Paul addresses this in reminding us that Jesus is the author and finisher (one who perfects) our faith.  Consider what our Lord Jesus did.  He was willing to come to earth, live among mortal men as a man subject to all the temptations, tests, problems, issues, battles, and feelings that we have and did it without sin and did it with joy.  What was His joy?  It was that He could provide a door for us to enter into that life that is free.  Jesus ignored the pain, the shame of being branded a criminal, an outcast, a heretic, and willingly endured for us.

4. Keep The Cloud of Witnesses in the Forefront of Our Minds…

It is as we realize that they too were mortal we are emboldened and encouraged to continue the fight and complete the journey.  For if we allow all our flaws, failures, and shortcomings to be exposed to the light and addressed; and fix our eyes and hope on and in Jesus remembering what He did for us WE WILL MAKE IT.   He concludes in verse three by saying:  “Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that YOU WILL NOT GROW WEARY AND LOSE HEART.”  He did it for you.

In my life I have found that remembering that the path that I am on is not “uncharted”, I am not the “first” to travel this road or experience this problem or face this flaw and multitudes that have gone before and they made it, therefore with God’s help – I CAN TOO!   The Bible tells us that it is the “little foxes” that spoil the vine. (Song of Solomon 2:15)  I’ve used the analogy or illustration before that if you drop a BB in a boat it won’t affect the boat but if you keep dropping BB’s into the boat eventually 1 BB will sink the boat.

In Galatians 2:20 we are told that the life that we “now live” in the flesh we live by the faith of Jesus.  We are not capable of living life either as a Christian or as an unbeliever in our own strength.  We have to have help.  For the believer we have the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to come alongside and walk with us guiding us through the paths that we must walk.  We have the assurance of Jesus interceding for us before the throne of Heaven and we have other brothers and sisters in the faith to help us.  Truly spiritual people are not judgmental but have the goal of “restoration” in their minds, therefore, we can totally expose our flaws to them and they will speak truthfully into our lives and then work with us to find solutions and ways to overcome those issues.

I like to keep in mind the multitudes that have gone before me and know that they were mortal just like me but made it.  Therefore, if they did with God’s help then I can with His help…   God bless you as you go through this day!