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Hebrews 12:1, 2 - FIXING OUR EYES ON JESUS.Hebrews 12:1, 2 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.INTRODUCTION The Christian life involves focus and training. It requires us to give up whatever hinders or endangers our relationships with God and to run with stamina and commitment in the power of the Holy Spirit. We will stumble if we look away from him to worry about ourselves or look at the opposition, trials, or suffering facing us. We should be running solely for Christ, not our own glory or success, and we must always keep him in sight. (No, we should not worry about ourselves, but we need to take proper care of ourselves so we can function properly for Christ.) Long-distance runners work hard to build endurance and strength. On race day, their clothes are lightweight, and their bodies lean. In the ancient world, in fact, runners competed naked. To run the race that God has set before us, we must also strip off the excess weight that slows us down. How can we do that? (1) Choose friends who are also committed to the race. Nonbelieving friends will have values and activities that may deter you from the course. (2) Drop or curtail certain activities, such as continually checking messages, spending hours a day watching shows or playing video games, or shopping for nonessential items. They may be adding unnecessary weight. Try dropping them for a while; then check the results in your life. (3) Get help for addictions that disable you. If you have a secret "weight" such as pornography, gambling, painkillers, or alcohol, admit your need and get help today. When you face hardship and discouragement, it's easy to lose sight of the big picture. But you're not alone; you can get help. Many others have already made it through the stage of life you are in, enduring far more difficult circumstances than you have. Suffering provides the training ground for Christian maturity. It develops our patience, makes us realize our need for Christ, strengthens our resolve, encourages humility, and ensures our final victory. [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL I Do Nothing of Myself An Amazing Fact: Rick Hoyt has participated in 68 marathons, six Ironman triathlons, and nearly 1,000 other endurance events. What's even more incredible is that Rick has cerebral palsy, is confined to a wheelchair, and speaks through a computer system that he operates with his head. What makes this possible is the other member of Team Hoyt: Dick Hoyt, Rick's father. Team Hoyt began when 15-year-old Rick told his dad how much he wanted to run in a five-mile benefit event for an athlete who had been paralyzed. After the race, Rick said, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped." Now, more than 30 years and 1,000 races later, Team Hoyt is dedicated to the inclusion of the disabled in all parts of daily life. Their motto is "Yes You Can!" Just as Rick's ability to run in a marathon is because of his relationship with his father, Jesus attributed His works to His Father: "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner" (John 5:19). The book of John returns often to the theme of oneness between Father and Son, and Christ's sacrifice is offered as proof that the Son relies completely on the Father: "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know ... that I do nothing of Myself" (John 8:28). The oneness between the Father and Son is an example of how we can be one with Christ. Jesus says, "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love" (John 15:9, 10). Though disabled by sin, with Jesus we can finish the race! [Moving Mountains by Amazing Facts] QUESTION: How does God want us to "lay aside every weight" like a son severely disabled from disease? QUESTION: How does a father do what this father did when he is no longer able i.e. aging senility and fragility? YOUR THOUGHTS If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or testimony on this passage of Scripture, either personal or otherwise, I would be interested in hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred Gibbs <FGGibbs@abible.com> LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Hebrews 12:1, 2 - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240125-0725.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20231127-0738.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20231022-1110.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230326-1035.html Hebrews 12:1-3 - THE RACE OF FAITH - RUNNING WITH JESUS. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200507-1202.html Hebrews 12:3 - So keep your mind on Jesus Then you won't get discouraged and give up. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210111-1048.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |