Enduring With Runners Cramp Hebrews 12:1-3NKJ
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
TM 1-3Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Ten years ago, Flight 93 soared over the skies of Pennsylvania, headed possibly to destroy the White House or the US Capitol. Todd Beemer said a prayer with others on board flight, and then shouted, “let’s roll!” While fighting the terrorist, flight 93 borrowed into the ground.
The deceased hero’s of faith in Hebrews chapter Eleven gave witnesses to the value and blessing of living by faith. Every faith runner should be inspired by the godly examples those saints set during their lives.
Hebrews 11:13TM Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world.
These people of faith never inherited the promise; they had a life in the land, but didn’t posses it. (In other words, they didn’t stake a claim by possessing material goods in this land- that wasn’t their hope.)
Hebrews 12:1TM Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? Hebrews 12:1AMP THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth]...
Those hero’s of faith weren’t spectators but rather men and women whose past life encourages others to live that way.
Hebrews 12:1...Lay aside every weight- different from sin, weights refer to the Levitical system with its shifting legalism. In other words, “Let go of man-made laws (Religion) that causes bondage.”
Hebrews 12:1...and the sin which so easily ensnares us,..
This sin is first and foremost the sin of unbelief. (Unbelief is a sin!)
Someone that doesn’t believe is sad.
They never experience life. (God-life)
They have little or no confidence in anything.
Hebrews 10:39NLT But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
Say, “We are the faithful ones!”
Ask any runner or faithful ole-timer, and they will tell you that right before a second wind, you will experience terrible agony. (Runner’s cramp). This is when many give up, or back off.
Hebrews 12:1TM Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.
Fire fighters along with Police officers (First Responders) approached the Twin Towers without any apprehension helping trapped men and women get out. Many first responders died.
The hero’s of 911 victims, and families members should never be forgotten.
Moreover all our military who have served in the wars in the decade since you aren’t forgotten!
Hebrews 12:3NLT Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
Hebrew 12:3TM When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
All the high’s and low’s of life are worth it; all the cramps and pain during this faith journey will take you on a wonderful adventure.
In others words, all the hardships, difficulties, trails, loss are worth it, because you are a hero of faith at CECC!
Prayer.
