Focus

Hebrews 12:1-4 – 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, 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

After speaking about the many men and women that have received a good report through faith, looking faithfully to the heavenly city (in spite of hardships and persecutions), a word of encouragement is given. The writers tells the Hebrews that as they are surrounded by such patriarchs of faith (witnesses), they should lay aside the weights and sin that seem to so easily come upon them.

There are many times in our lives when we’re on top of things and all is going well. We feel invincible, able to leap mountains in a single bound, and feel so connected to the Lord. Then, as time may go on, we can’t seem to climb even a step on the mountain, we feel weak, and seem unable to hear anything from God. The weights of the world and life are upon us and sin croutches at our door – almost like an angry mob waiting to attack. It is at these times we feel the only option is to give up and give in – to allow whoever or whatever to have their way. It feels like it would be easier right?! Wrong.

It is during these times that we need to focus ourselves upon Jesus. The writer said:

1. Lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us. When the weight of the world and sin is upon us, we must return to the Lord for help. He is available for each of us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He desires for us to come to Him when we are overburdened by the world:

Hebrews 4:16 – Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

We have access to the Lord at all times of the day. We can come to Him in prayer to ask for His help. In His presence, we can repent, pray, praise, worship, and share our truest heart. In His presence our hearts and lives are changed. This is where we must begin when the tides of the day get high.

2. Run with patience the race set before us. Our life in God is a journey. Though we want to sprint from one season (or situation) to another, the race we must run in Christ is one of patient endurance. God is looking for those who overcome and withstand temptation and sin (Revelation 21:8). There will be some events where we can easily say ‘no’ and others we will have to await the outcome, serving God faithfully until the end.

Revelation 14:12 – Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Galatians 6:9 – And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

3. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus is the initiator of the faith that was placed in each of us. Without the Father’s drawing, we would not have come to place our faith in His Son (John 6:44).

Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

What the Lord has begun, He will also finish until the day of Jesus Christ. He will be faithful to keep His promise unto us. When life seems to get blurred, we must look back unto Jesus.

4. Consider (and remember) Jesus’ example. Looking at the remainder of the selected verses in Hebrews 12:1-4, the writer speaks of Jesus’ example…

…who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

May we allow Jesus’ perfect obedience, sacrifice, and endurance of suffering to be an example for us not to be weary and faint in our minds. May we be encouraged to refocus our lives and purpose in His presence. He is praying for you (Hebrews 7:25)!

Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/Brybs