Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us. Hebrews 12:1 NABRE
Hebrews chapter twelve address three areas; 1) life is an endurance race, 2) growth toward maturity and 3) a joyful assembly on a holy mountain. The quoted verse begins the chapter with great enthusiasm. We are surrounded by all those who came before us. As members of a church we stand on the shoulders of many people who brought the church from a small founding in Jerusalem, then taking over an empire, to one of the world’s major religions. We must be poised to do our part. It is an endurance race that is ahead of us and we must be ready to run with all we have and for as long as we need. We must rid ourselves of heavy burdens, sin, anything that can keep us from our task. Throw off anger, gossip, falsehood, impurity, malice, deceit and any other wrong doing that holds us back. Once we have rid ourselves of all burdens, we are ready to persevere, to endure in the race. The verse continues telling us we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Jesus is the reason for the race and we must remember all He endured; the cross, shame, abandonment and in the end he sits at the right hand of God, the most important seat. There is room for us next to Jesus. He needs us to run the race, without us others can be left behind. We are who Jesus needs to bring joy to others, help them grow and to join Him on the holy mountain.
Everything you do in your life should be leading you to something bigger. You are meant to help make the communion of holy ones grow, helping others learn about Jesus, bringing them joy and a better life. We can only do this by being an example, become one of the witnesses.
When people see you what do they say about Christians? Anything?
Everything you do in your life should be leading you to something bigger. You are meant to help make the communion of holy ones grow. -@youversion Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybible @youversion #hebrews#endure #race #witness #everybodyalways#god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverses #verses #pray #prayers#goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat#boca #youversion #everythingalways