Hebrews 12:1 "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,"
The first verse of Hebrews 12 makes it clear that every Christian is a participant in the race of life. Notice the pronoun "us" in the phrase "let us," for the author of this letter includes himself as one who was in the process of running and enduring life's race. We are not certain who the author is, yet we know that he was either a New Testament Apostle or Prophet who was led along by the HOLY SPIRIT to pen GOD's very WORDs to HIS church. In other words, GOD mightily used this author of Hebrews to communicate HIS truth. And yet, as important as this person was, he too, needed to endure. He did not receive "special treatment" from the LORD that let him take a spiritual shortcut or live a life that was free from any trials or difficulties.
Sometimes we get the idea that a status of "super Christian" exists. Perhaps we feel like some people are above the realm of trials or difficulties and receive a special "pass" from GOD that keeps them from needing to endure or they have some kind of unique ability to press on and be victorious while we - the common man - are not so equipped. Or, conversely, maybe we feel as though we are this "super Christian" who is allowed to coast through life on autopilot without needing to run the race and obey the rules GOD has established. Yet this is not the case. Every Christian is a saved sinner who has been called by GOD to endure and press forward through the difficulties of life. Those such as Abel, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses - all mentioned in the previous chapter 11 - were not "super saints" but were simply men who persevered and relied on the LORD as they walked by faith and overcame the obstacles they faced.
Not only does the author of Hebrews remind us that we all must run the race of life, but he also tells us that we must keep enduring without giving up or giving in to the pressures that surround us - the compulsion to quit or "cut corners." The verb tense of the world "run" in our text means to "keep on running"; quitting, stopping, or even slowing down and taking it easy are not options in the life of a believer. It is interesting to note that the Greek term underlying the word "race" (v.1b) transliterates as "agony" in English. Life is not a ride - it is a race, and running can often be painful.
Yes, life may be difficult and remaining faithful and obedient to GOD is certainly challenging at times. Perhaps we feel like it would be simpler if we could turn off our brain and not think about the hard issues of life. Maybe we assume things would be easier if we went with the flow of "everyone else." Sometimes we might reason that our path would be trouble-free if we just followed the rules of others and "piggybacked" on their religion or relationship with GOD (this is what the Hebrew believers were tending to do by falling back into legalism rather than persevering in grace, Hebrews 2:1 pictured above; Hebrews 4:1). Yet the exhortation to us today is to keep on running and do not stop. Elsewhere in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul urges us to be "always abounding in the work of the LORD" (1st.Corinthians 15:58 pictured above). He said concerning himself, "I press toward the mark" (Philippians 3:14 pictured above) so that in the end he could declare, "I have finished my course" (2nd.Timothy 4:7 pictured above). Follow the good example of the godly men and women who have gone before us (Hebrews Chapter 11) and do not quit moving forward in your spiritual walk with GOD ! MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
Julie: I finally found that little piece of paper, with the name of your blog. It was in the "pocketbook" I used, when I am getting ready to fly. My purse stays in my small suitcase, until I am home (in TX).
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing this. No complaint from me, concerning the contents.
In general, I had a very good visit with my son's family. Without going into details, in addition to being treated very well, there were occasions when I had to keep my eyes, ears, & mouth shut.
This is Lorraine Boyd, from Ccypress, TX
ReplyDeleteLorraine, Hi ! I am glad that you found me. I am on here 6 days a week, no Sundays. Yes, I know that feeling about keeping your mouth shut. My Mom always told me, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." This is a hard one for me to do, probably like most people - we speak before our brain engages ! I am glad you had a good visit and a safe trip home.
ReplyDeleteBlessings in the LORD,
Julie A. Cohick