Hebrews 12:1-2 'Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD."
The race of life, which the author of Hebrews exhorts us to keep running, can only be completed successfully by following certain rules. Notice 2nd.Timothy 2:5 pictured above for here the Apostle Paul reminds us that "if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." GOD has set the guidelines for running the race of life, and only by following these rules will we experience the peace and joy of the LORD and simultaneously, bring glory to HIM. Today's text describes two edicts for running this race. We will consider the first one today and the second one tomorrow.
First, we must "run with patience" (v.1). Every child of GOD must persistently face the race of life with fortitude. Tribulation and trials will happen, and this text exhorts us to endure through the hardships that will inevitably come. Consider Psalm 73:1-17, 22-28 and compare these verses to Hebrews 11. From our finite, human perspective, it seems as though unbelievers "have it good" and are getting away with everything. Yet patient perseverance with the eye of faith puts everything in its proper perspective.
Patience is so essential to the Christian life, yet it goes against everything our flesh and our culture stand for. We want everything now, and we do not want to experience difficulties in order to get what we want. But consider the men and women listed in Hebrews 11 and notice how faith and patience coincide. Each of these individuals demonstrated faith by believing GOD and patiently awaiting the fulfillment of HIS promises - and sometimes they died before even getting to see them become a reality (Hebrews 11:39 pictured above) ! The race of life requires patience, and a lack of patience reveals a lack of faith. MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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