"The Race That is Set Before Us"

 

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, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

     During the last several days, we have considered the reality of the race of life - spiritually speaking - as well as the rules of this race and the need to persevere and keep our eyes on the goal: the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith. But before we leave this text, it is vitally important to remember that GOD HIMSELF is the ONE WHO has laid out the parameters of this race for each individual Christian ("the race that is set before us," v.1). While all of us must patiently endure and face the pitfalls that are a part of life, we must realize that our individual problems and trials will vary. We are all different. At the same time, however, we are all, without exception, called and empowered to run the race by looking unto JESUS CHRIST in faith. Our LORD has given us the necessary tools to victoriously prevail. No one is exempt from running the race, from adhering to the rules, or from focusing on the finish line. Keep in mind - the race is not about us; it is wholly about bringing glory to our GOD !

     Ultimately, this race is run and endured by faith. We look to the ONE we cannot physically see, but we prove our faith and "[see] HIM WHO is invisible" (Hebrews 11:27 pictured above) when we press forward and rest in HIS promises, just as Noah, Moses, Abraham, Joseph, and other men and women of faith did (Hebrews Chapter 11). The author of Hebrews lifts up the LORD JESUS CHRIST as the perfect example of what it means to start and finish strong. When we begin to feel the natural tendency to become weary and faint because of the difficult race set before us, we must look to our SAVIOR and remember HIM. HE is the ONE WHO ultimately "endured," and we can and must do the same (v.3). MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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