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.
The past few weeks I’ve
talked about the plans that we have for our lives and aligning those with God’s
plan for us. I think it’s a great fit to
continue this with talking about running a good race and throwing off
everything that hinders this plan that God has for us or the race that has been
marked out for us.
Sunday would mark the 96th
birthday of my Grandfather. About this
time of year, I often think of his passing and it takes me back to his
funeral. My Grandfather was very special
and being able to sing at his funeral was such a blessing to me. He truly was a good man.
This scripture and others
that talk about running the race set out for us are often used at
funerals. It’s the end of that journey
on earth. Brothers and sisters in
Christ, while we don’t want to have to think about our own funerals at this
point, I think we need to in some ways. We
need to be focused on the Jesus, as the ending of our race here on earth, yet
the beginning of eternity.
Will it be said of you or me
at our funerals that we endured such opposition and that we did not grow weary
or lose heart? Will others see that we
ran our race with perseverance, focused on Jesus?