STAYING ON TRACK

Once I got to know close up the U.S. champion mile runner.  I watched how he walked and moved about.

But far more important is:  How do we run the race of life?  How are we living day by day?  Focused on what?  What really occupies our attention?  Here is what God’s Word teaches us in the first part of Hebrews 12.

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.

Make a list of the lessons to be learned here on how to run the race as a winner.  See these suggestions:

  1. Determine to get in the race and run your assigned course with endurance (it won’t be necessary to be just like your neighbor).  Run the race God appoints as yours.  See verse 1.
  2. Fix your attention on Jesus.  Beware of the tendency to claw your way to Jesus and His blessings, then sit and enjoy a respite. And lo!  What sin could not do our blessings have done.  We’ve lost focus on Christ!

Now consider this.  What is God to do if He would get us to center our attention and love on Jesus Christ?  See what we are next taught here.

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”

3. Expect and endure chastening.  All burdens are intended to bless, strengthen or redirect us.  Never ought they to  separate us from the God of love.  Keep studying, praying, looking to Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen!