BY: Pastor Bob Miller
CHAPTER READ: Hebrews 12
SCRIPTURE SELECTED: Hebrews12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
OBSERVATION: We have an audience. Those who have gone before us are our example and our encouragers! And yet our eyes are to focus on the ONE who has marked out the course of the race we are called to run, the ONE who ran it perfectly. We follow His example and throw off anything that would weigh us down or hinder us from running as Jesus ran, with eyes fixed on the goal.
APPLICATION: I am not alone in this race I’m running. I’ve gotten to where I am, because of those who have gone before me. Others have completed the course and so I can run with the confident assurance that Jesus will lead me to the finish line! I need to consider what it is, that I need to throw aside which could deter me or weigh me down. Those things that would keep me from staying in step with Jesus.
PRAYER: Lord, I’m carrying too heavy a load and I’ve picked up too much luggage along this journey that I have thought that I needed to bring me joy. Instead, they’ve become dead weight. Show me what I need to throw off – so that I can run this course in a manner which will bring you glory! May I not hold onto anything that would keep me from loving as you would have me love! Amen.