THE FINISH LINE

As we know so well, some seasons of this life are more difficult and much more challenging than others. Today is painful for many, so please join me in pondering the first two verses in Hebrews 12.  Consistently, the leadership team of Heritage of Hope visualizes this life as a race in which we are running to successfully pass the baton of faith to the next generation. Could you, or someone dear to you, use some encouragement today?

THEREFORE WE ALSO, SINCE WE ARE SURROUNDED BY SO GREAT A CLOUD OF WITNESSES . . .

Let’s accept the legacy of Hebrews 11 saints as our baton of faith. We cannot yet see them, but the pioneers who blazed the way are cheering for us! Let’s receive their encouragement, witness, insight, and prayers right here and right now in this life. Thank God for their willing hearts, sacrifices, and break-throughs in furthering the kingdom. We can benefit from the family of God not only in our current community but also by exploring and receiving our heritage.

 LET US LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT, AND THE SIN WHICH SO EASILY ENSNARES US . . .

To go the distance, we must rid ourselves of the burdens of worry and anxiety . . . especially the presumptuous sin of trying to solve the problems of others. Relinquishing control of others and I John 1:9 will lighten our load. For inspiration, you may enjoy reading or watching this video of  Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan (which he wrote while imprisoned).

LET US RUN WITH ENDURANCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US . . .

I interpret “the race” to be one’s personal mission, calling or assignment (Ephesians 2:10) in this life. Sometimes, these “races” are pretty slow processes like raising children! Over time, our assignments do change. It is worth taking the time to fast and pray, to be sure we are on His path, so we can run “heartily as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Even on task, it seems the secret to endurance is a clear focus on Jesus and His finish line.

 LOOKING UNTO JESUS, THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH . . .  

 According to Jesus’ example, our focus makes all the difference. This life has multiple distractions, but the gospels tell us Jesus set His eyes on Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). He only did what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19). When you find yourself flagging in your faith, go over Jesus’ story again. Let’s read and reread the gospels until we discern his obedient dependence on the Father as well as his approach to the people he served. Jesus is the model of all we seek to be, our mentor, coach, and redeemer as well as the One who will meet us at our finish line. If we’ve got it right with Jesus, nothing else matters.

WHO FOR THE JOY THAT WAS SET BEFORE HIM . . .

Jesus never lost sight of where he was headed – that exhilarating finish line in and with God. Let’s reread Revelation 21-22 as many times as we need to. During my father’s last days, he was encouraged by his grandson Curtis reading aloud to him In Light of Eternity by Randy Alcorn. This life is not all there is. How essential it is for each of us to remember and look to the joy that has been set before us.

ENDURED THE CROSS; DESPISING THE SHAME . . .

As much as we try to deny it and avoid it, suffering is obviously a part of this life (I Peter 4:12-13). Let’s not empower evil with our fear but disarm the opposition by yielding this life to Jesus, expecting and preparing for challenges and hard times (Revelation 12:11). May we ask to receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit, employ all the weapons given to us (Ephesians 6), and pray without ceasing as we strive to be fruitful stewards of our time and gifts.

AND HE HAS SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE THRONE OF GOD.

 The end of our run with Jesus will be glorious and worth all the challenges and hardships we endure. His promises are true. Let’s live as if we believe Him – not like this life is all there is, and death is a sad thing or defeat. At the finish line, we say good-bye to loved ones for a season, and that we know is grievous for the ones left behind. For those released, life will be full of God’s glory with Jesus visible, in the place of honrvant (Luke 19:17).”

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, so that we would walk in them.

Colossians 3:23  And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. 

Luke 9:51 Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem. 

John 5:19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.”

I Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 

Luke 19:17 Well done, good servant! Because you proved yourself faithful and trustworthy in a very little thing, you shall have authority over ten cities.