Hebrews12:1-3  -  Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony of the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance—unnecessary weight—and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,  2  Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher, [bringing it to maturity and perfection].  He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  3  Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself—reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trails—so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.

These witnesses are testifiers of the truth of the faith which brought them into the presence of our Lord because it was accounted unto them as righteousness.   These examples of our faith cause us to look within ourselves to examine any sin that might hinder us from running the race for which we have been called. 

To prepare well for a literal race, an athlete has to lay aside anything that hinders a runner such as bulky clothes or heavy jewelry.  In the same since, believers are to intentionally lay aside every weight that might hinder their spiritual progress.  What is clinging to you, holding you back from being a persistent active runner for the LORD Jesus Christ?  Strip off and throw aside envy, unbelief, prayerlessness, hypocrisy, pride, a critical spirit, neglect of Bible reading, lying, slander, cheating, gossip, worry, anger, jealousy, immorality, or any other sin that might so easily entangle us so that we might run with patient endurance and steady persistence the appointed course of the race set before us.  Our goal is JESUS HIMSELF!  Concentrating, seeking to keep our eyes on Christ so that we are consistently focused on the one who is the Finisher of our faith. 

Paul wrote that “He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”  Similarly here, Jesus is both the source –beginning point or initiator—and the perfecter—ending point or completer—of our faith. 

Jesus knew the goal that was set before Him.  It was His JOY to obtain the prize by enduring the cross, despising and ignoring the shame so that He could then be seated at the right hand of the throne of God where He is now making intersession for us.  Our focus then should be His JOY, His great love for us that caused Him to freely give His life so that we might have eternal life.  His love brings me to repentance and the desire to stay close to Him. 

Sometimes in order for us to stay on the course the Lord has laid out for us, He has to discipline us.  His discipline is for our good because He loves us and is dealing with us as His sons and daughters.  Oswald Chambers says “… do not despise Him when He says to you—“Don’t be blind on this point any more; you are not where you thought you were!!  Let Him relate you rightly to God … He has to get me into the attitude of mind and spirit where at any cost I will let Him sanctify me wholly.”  Remember, our goal is Jesus Himself and He knows what it will take to get us to the place where we reflect Him.  Stay the course, keep your eyes on Jesus so that you do not grow weary or exhausted and your prize will be more than you ever could ever think or imagine.

Now my the God of peace—[Who is] the Author and the Giver of peace—and Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement [covenant, testament], strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be, and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, the Messiah; to Whom be the glory forever and ever—to the ages of the ages.  Amen—so be it.   

Shoulder to Shoulder,

Sandra Williford (wmustang67@sport.rr.com)