"Run With the Finish Line in View"

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 "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. For consider HIM that endured such contradiction of sinners against HIMSELF, let ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

     As we run life's race, we must remember to keep our eyes on the finish line. "Looking unto JESUS" (v.2) - the word "looking" means to fix our eyes in trust upon JESUS. HIS role is summed up in two ways: First, HE is the "AUTHOR" of our faith - the word author means HE is the originator and the rule; HE is the founder, leader, and prince of our faith. Without HIM we have, and we are, nothing. Second, HE is the "FINISHER" of our faith - the word finisher means a completer or perfecter, one who brings something through to the goal. JESUS is the ONE WHO will see us through. Philippians 1:6, pictured above, reminds us to be confident in the truth that "HE which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of JESUS CHRIST." First Peter 1:3-5, pictured below, notes that since our GOD is all-powerful, we are "kept" in the unfailing grasp of HIS hand.

     "Consider HIM" (v.3) - JESUS is not only at the finish line, but HE has already run the race and is present with us right now ! HE has lived and died for us, and HIS life was marked by patient endurance as HE fulfilled HIS FATHER's will. The phrase "consider HIM" is a command that means to seriously and perceptively contemplate JESUS CHRIST. As Christians, we are called to live a "CHRISTocentric" life rather than an "egocentric" life. We must match everything up to CHRIST, not to ourselves or to some other standard. When our life is CHRISTocentric, then all our problems and trials will pale in comparison not only to what JESUS endured but to WHO HE is right now ! Take some time not only to think about the words "JESUS died for me" but also to meditate upon what HE went through for you. Keep your eyes on the LORD until the end ! MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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