Fix Our Eyes on Christ

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

In looking at these 3 verses, we have spent Monday and Tuesday of this week talking about those who have gone before us who have influenced our Christian walk. Today I want to look at the next little section:

·         Let us throw off everything that hinders. This doesn’t say, “drop it,” or “tuck it away somewhere in case you want to pick it up again later.” It says to throw it off. Heave it. Cast it off. If we have something in our life that hinders our relationship with the Lord, it’s got to go!

·         Let us throw off the sin that so easily entangles. And sin is so sneaky to creep in and grab us by the ankles before we even realize it. 

·         Let us run the race laid out for us. Most of us are running a cross country marathon complete with rugged terrain and water features.  It takes a lot of training to be ready. But it’s up to us to run it and to do well.  

·         Let us fix our eyes on the finish line at Jesus who was the ultimate pioneer of our faith. Jesus ran this race first. Pattern your running style after Him. 

Lord, You have promised to go before us and make the crooked places straight and to never to leave us or forsake us. Help us to depend on you as we run this race called life. Give us the determination to persevere. Remind us as often as necessary to focus on You. May we make you proud. 

The Great Cloud of Witnesses – The Pen of Christian Inkwell. lwharper.wordpress.com