Year in the Bible Daily Reading:
Numbers 3-5; Hebrews 12 Listen to Today's Reading
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Hebrews 12:1-3
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
I am not a fan of races, partly due to being slower than most in my class growing up. One of my favorite stories was the one about the tortoise and the hare, where the hare is shamed because of his arrogance. The writer of Hebrews says to run the race marked for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the perfecter of faith. I hope my race marked for me can be one where slow and steady is a winning strategy!
If you have been reading the Bible along with the congregation, we have learned in Hebrews already that many people of great faith have come before us, and witnessed to the promises of God, yet very few of them ever saw those promises come true in their lifetime. God’s promises are still there for us, and we can see them from a distance through faith. No one receives a reward before the end of a race, one must finish the course before one can claim any accolades. Even hardships in life should not deter us or dampen our resolve to finish the race focused on Jesus. The hardships Jesus faced were looked past, and now he sits at the right hand of God. We, too, will be there with him, praising God forever, because he acted as a high priest to forgive our sins forever. Now that is a goal worth the running of a race! Praise be to God!
Questions for Reflection:
- What makes you want to give up in your daily life/race?
- How can you focus on Jesus every day?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we thank you for the people of faith who led the way for us. Lead us in our individual races, keeping us focused on you. Fixate us through faith on your promises, and let us use the examples of people in the Bible to spur us on, and leave everything behind that might hinder us. Let us become beacons of faith for those who come after us, so they may recognize you as our Lord and Savior. In your name we pray, Amen.
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