BIBLE PASSAGE:
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, 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.
(Hebrews 12:1-2)
MEDITATION:
Have you ever thought about how Jesus (in human form) could endure the cross?
It is hard to imagine the agony of anticipation He must have felt.
Death on the cross was a tortuous and lengthy process.
Imagine for a moment that you were facing the same fate.
In Hebrews, we get a glimpse of how Jesus
was able to cope with His pending destiny on the cross.
When the scriptures refer to the “joy set before Him”,
we have to assume that He was able to look past the agony He faced
to the impeccable joy He would soon experience seated next to God.
That doesn’t sound easy, but it is a message to all of His followers.
We have challenges as believers that are mentioned my Paul.
Things that “hinder” our efforts to live righteous lives,
and the “sin that so easily entangles us”.
So, how do we handle the ‘things’ before us?
Paul tells us to keep focused on Jesus and remember how He overcame.
And when we do, we can show perseverance as we continue
down the path (‘the race marked out for us’) that God has created for us.
“Throwing off” the things that weigh us down in our efforts
to follow Jesus is never easy, but when we look past them
to the “joy set before us”, we receive a boost of encouragement
and confidence that we can be victorious over the obstacles
that hinder our lives as believers.
ACTION:
Have you been struggling with things that hinder your Christian life
and sins that so “easily” entangle you?
If you do nothing, then nothing will change.
But when you make a concentrated effort to overcome,
and when you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and His victory over death,
you too can be victorious over the challenges Satan puts in your path.
Satan knows our weak areas and that’s where he attacks us often.
He knows that when we succumb to his temptations,
we will feel guilty, defeated and discouraged.
Rather than remaining on the defensive to his onslaughts, take the offensive
and create your own arsenal by doing the things you know that Jesus did.
He was frequently in the synagogues, so go to church frequently and consistently.
He prayed often, so make prayer an important part of your life.
He resisted Satan by quoting scriptures,
so find scriptures you can use when tempted.
He had genuine concerns for others,
so look for ways to encourage and lift the spirits of those around you.
He gave of Himself, so learn to consider others as more important than yourself;
trade selfishness for selflessness.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You know the challenges I face and You know
the desires of my heart. If my desires are not to be more like Jesus,
then help me to refocus. Forgive me for being weak and too often
becoming a victim of Satan’s temptations. Teach me how to look
past the things that challenge me, to the joy awaiting me at the end
of my journey on earth. I know that I can also enjoy my journey
here when I am on the path You have chosen for me. Thank You
for Your Word that encourages me to persevere in my efforts to
become more like Jesus.”
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