Hebrews 12:1 KJV
[1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us
The verse above starts with a direct message to specific people. It follows on from the list of heroes of faith who walked with God. They didn't see the fullness of the plan of God made manifest in their time, but we have been given the grace to experience Jesus in His power as Saviour and Lord. We have tasted of the gift of the Holy Spirit, and been given a foretaste of what joys are ahead of us if we hold on to the end. The verse above is solely addressed to those people who identify with Christ, have taken Him up on His offer of life eternal, and are focused on pleasing God in every way. It is important to define who I am in the light of the description above. Anyone can make claims to anything, as talk is cheap. However, you can only access that which you are entitled to by new birth. Do I qualify to be one of the WE referred to in the verse above? Does my life reflect a connection to the One who is Life?
WE are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, both alive on earth and witnesses from heaven. We cannot afford to live as we please, because the new life we have does not permit carelessness. WE have lives to impact; WE have souls in need of direction and care. Men are on the lookout for those who know God and can point Him out by their actions. It is not this seasonal catch up, where I get to act as a Christian when it is easy or convenient, but a lifetime of focus and dedication to the things that please God and make Him known. This is what is called a race that is set before us. Why a race? WE are on a journey to a definite destination. We do not know when we will get there, but we are sure of the place. We have been made aware of what we need to have to get into the place, and we will do well to avoid any distraction that may take our eyes off the goal.
That is why we must lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. The world has its worries and cares, and some are legitimate. We must take care of our families and play our part in the society. There are people who look up to us for some of life's decisions. In all, we must not forget that God calls us to represent Him wherever we go, and in all we do. WE cannot afford to toy with sin; WE cannot use life's challenges as excuses for sin. Challenges will come to all of us at different stages of our lives, but we have the support, encouragement, and examples of all those who had gone ahead of us, whose lives teach us that total dependence on God pays. A race has been set before us; it is not one race for everyone on earth, but a personal race that will lead to personal reward at the end. I must run my own race, dependent on the One who sets out the rules. I must run in line with the rules, so that I may take hold of the rewards. May my life not be a waste. God's time of favour is here.
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