Let Us Run the Distance - Hebrews 12:1-2

Hebrews 11 isn't just a list of faithful followers of God; it's compelling evidence for God's plea in Hebrews 12:1-2.  It's as if God is saying, "look, these saints should be great encouragement."  Encouragement for what?  

Hebrews 12:1-2 says,  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witness, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."  

God is asking you and me to drop the burdens and weight  that we are lugging around.  He also implores us to shed the sin that hangs on tightly like black mold.  And when we are freed up, light like air, he tells us to run an endurance race.  Like the joy that was set before Jesus, God is setting this race before you.  And to be sure you finish, he shouts out, "look only to Jesus and nowhere else.  You can do this!"  

The Christian life is like an endurance race.  This race will be very tough if we feel we need to carry all that weight with us.  But without it, this text almost suggests that it, like what Jesus endured, will be our joy.  We will run, not growing weary, but enjoy the journey. 

I will be looking at this wonderful and difficult charge given to us by God in Hebrews 12:1-2 as we conclude our series, "By Faith."  I hope you will join us at 11am, Sunday.  2070 North Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116.  And if you come at 10, you can participate in prayer, devotion, and worship during our House of Prayer time.  See you there! 

For the Kingdom!
Pastor Bryan 

P.S> Here's an update with some really cool bunch of numbers as well as some things going on at Redeeming Life.