Hebrews 12: As for us, we have this
large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything
that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let
us run with determination the race that lies before us. 2 Let us keep our eyes fixed
on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up
because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for
him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now
seated at the right side of God's throne.
============
Joining a gym, I
wanted to gain some muscle. I struggled by myself as I guessed at what I should
do. After a while, someone at the gym asked me if I would like to join them in
their routine. They started me off with embarrassingly light weight and
gradually added heavier weight. When I came in with a candy bar, they said “We
don’t eat those anymore.” They suggested food that would help me build muscle.
- I was part of a group.
- I chose to cut out some things that were not “good” for me.
- I saw results when I stuck with their suggestions.
Paul, the assumed
writer, pauses to give a word of motivation. He had just provided a list of
examples where faith was shown in different forms. He then turned to the
present to provide actions associated with faith.
My Observations:
- Faith in what JESUS did, helps me to turn away from things that HE died for.
- Understanding that some things may not be good for me, makes me seek what is pleasing to the LORD.
- Fortitude is given to me when I mimic the determination JESUS had for dying just for me.
“As for us” is a
statement of being in a new family. I mean, my old family included “friends”
who had me doing things that were not good for them or me. In fact, when I
nervously joined in, I noticed the “fun” did not solve any problem I was going
through, rather it magnified them. I needed a real solution.
GOD answered my
prayer and provided me with a path to see life clearer. HE guided me away from
certain things and gave me something more important to focus on, namely JESUS.
I am glad GOD cares enough to guide me back to HIM.
Challenge
- Who is the “us” the writer mentions?
- Have you ever been part of a group that had your best interest in mind?
- Will you accept being part of GOD’s family and examine your life to see if there are things you say or do that could hold you back from experiencing a great relationship with JESUS today?
No comments:
Post a Comment