Eyes on Jesus

Hebrews 12:1 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.  
 
WHAT is happening in your church and in your own spiritual life? Do you see signs of anything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles? Without faith, a church quickly becomes a worldly organization separated from God’s purpose. Without faith, our lives become empty vessels instead of the full life God has designed for us. Church traditions, personal preferences, indifference and doubt entangle and disrupt Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19)
   One way to untangle the sin is to remember the great cloud of witnesses – the people of faith – as written in Hebrews 11. And we have many more faith witnesses to consider in the history of the Christian church. Cloud of witnesses is the Greek image of rows and rows of spectators urging athletes to their highest performance. These saints of the past are not spectators watching from heaven. But they are a multitude whose faith legacy makes them active participants in our faith today. When we know their stories in the Bible and in the church’s history, their lives become a constant witness of faith’s power to accomplish God’s purposes against all opposition.
    With such a history and support, you and your church can be confident to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. These people of God have shown the way, and we know where we must go.
   The best way to persevere in your faith is to join with Hebrews to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
   What is the joy set before Jesus? It is your salvation. He knew what would happen when he endured the cross. Victory would come to the world as Jesus untangled sin’s web that had trapped his creation in death. Jesus knew the cross’ shame would become the King’s glory.
   And the cross becomes your glory when you fix your eyes on the Savior. He has come in love to remove the traditions, doubt and disunity that keep you from knowing God.
   The Savior is on your side. Jesus endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3) Know Jesus’ struggled with worldly opposition. Know he endured and won the battle. When the Lord of heaven and earth is on your side, how can we be dismayed?
   After all, Jesus suffered much more than we did. We’re reminded in Hebrews 12:4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. There are many in our history and many today who have shed blood for Jesus’ sake. Are you prepared for such a purpose?
   Consider the cost of your faith. Take hold of faith’s power. Run with joy. Your Savior rejoices that you belong to him. Be a witness.