Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Today's thoughts from today's verses:
What we focus on and give our attention to makes all the difference in what we do with our lives. Real disciples get this right. Today’s Scripture tells us that discipleship begins with seeing the Christian life we are called to as a race that is set before us. Real disciples heed the appeal of the passage to run this race with endurance. This is the primary focus of real disciples: to run with endurance the race that is set before them. They maintain this primary focus with four additional focuses.
First, their focus is on the great cloud of witnesses surrounding them. All those disciples who have gone before and have run the race with endurance serve as witnesses that discipleship can be lived out and as a cheering section that says you can do it too. Second, their focus is on choosing from out of all the good and acceptable things available in life, only those things that contribute to running the race well. Laying aside every encumbrance means not being slowed down by the weight of the unnecessary. Third, their focus is on foot placement so that righteousness prevails, and they are not tripped up by sin that can so easily entangle them.
Fourth and finally, real disciples fix their eyes on Jesus. They know that being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not about being a performer, following rules, having will power, and achieving greatness among one’s peers. Real discipleship is all about the beauty and power of Christ’s presence with his disciples on the racecourse of life. It is all about counting on him for help to run well as ones for whom the joy of what follows the race is more real than the sacrifices made throughout the race. Real disciples constantly consider Jesus so they will not grow weary and lose heart.
Today's prayer response from today's thoughts:
Lord, you are the Author and Perfecter of my faith. I ask that as you write the remaining chapters of my life, you will perfect my faith and help me run the race set before me with endurance. Bring into my life all the focuses of today’s Scripture. Grant me the victory of being a real disciple indeed. Amen!
