May 9, 2017 – Hebrews 12:1-2

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. Hebrews 12:1-2

The moment we are born, we are racing!  The finish line is ahead of us. As we run, our feet become tangled in detours of sin.  The witnesses watch us and cheer us on our way.  Can you see it?  Can you hear the crowd?

Faithfulness and Victory are the finish line, and we keep our eyes on Jesus!  He makes our faith perfect.  Run without stopping. Our Jesus loves us. He cares for us. He is the only one Who knows the pain that comes from running the race.  He went to the cross taking all the sin all people have done and will commit, weighing Him down.

On the third day after Jesus was crucified, God raised Him from the dead.  This is His victory, and OURS.  Because Jesus loves us so, God will raise us from the dead when we run the race with all faithfulness.

The empty tomb means our hearts are filled with the faithful love of Jesus.  Who are the witnesses cheering us on?  Remember the ones who pray for us, those who love us, those who were faithful to God and finished the race before us?

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:3