Run the Race to the Finish Line

 Heb 12:1
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 metaphors used by the writers to the Hebrews can be interpreted and translated to convey different meanings and applications. Words such as cloud, weight, run, and race were all used to help the reader to connect and apply the truth that was given. It is always my intention as I read the Bible to understand the meaning and the relevant application to my daily walk with God. The Holy Spirit is able to take what I read and apply it directly to my life. It may not be what was implied by the writer as they penned the words, but it is what the Holy Spirit takes and writes to my heart.
 Much has been written about the cloud of witnesses that surround us. Many believe the witnesses are those who have gone before us in death and are now looking down from heaven, cheering us on to keep the faith and don’t give up. That application of scripture encourages the heart to keep pressing on. We all need encouragement not to give up when life gets hard. 
The writer says that we are in a race. A race implies that there is a finish line, a goal that is desired. Running the race means that we are not spectators, but participate in this race. Winning the race is not necessarily being the first one to cross the finish line, but to win is to complete the race to the finish line. Making it to the finish line is what every Christian seeks and desires, but too often there are weights, things in our lives that keep us from being all that God wants us to be. I don’t know what those weights are. They are different for each person, but the Holy Spirit is able to show us what weights we need to lay aside. What keeps us from being all that God wants us to be? Is it a besetting sin of unbelief that hinders us? The sin that keeps us from running could be that the carnal nature is still in control of our lives. A failure to fully surrender to the will of God. The sin of pride and self-will, not letting go and letting God take full control of our lives. John Wesley calls this entire sanctification, a full consecration to the will of God. The Holy Spirit is able to cleanse our heart from the sin that hinders us from finishing the race. It appears that there will be those that will start the race, but will not finish it. Many have quit running, not willing to lay aside the weights and trust God. It is God’s desire that all that start this race finish to the end. Let us run the race with all diligence, and let the Holy Spirit give us the strength and endurance we need to make it to the finish line.

Faith That Pleases God

 Heb. 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

With God all things are possible, but for the impossible to happen we must believe. Believing God must be intentional. Faith is not a feeling that just comes over us, and we feel like believing. Faith in believing in God is knowing that God is who He says He is and will do what is always best. We must believe that He is in control of our lives and everything that happens is for a purpose. This is not to believe that God will always answer our prayers and give us what we desire. As Christians, we desire to please God every day of our lives. Life happens, and we are faced with the decision to trust God and believe that He will work all things out for His purpose and His glory. We diligently seek Him first, and He rewards us with His smile of approval. We seek first the kingdom of God and all the other things will happen in His time. I don’t pretend that putting our trust in God when bad things happen is easy. When we face the giants in our lives, and we feel that all is lost, we come to God and give it all to Him. We rest in knowing that He is a God who cares and understands what we need. Let our faith take hold in the God who is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”(Eph 3:20). Let us have a faith that pleases God, even in the hard times.

Let Us Enter

Heb.4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The veil has been rented. The curtain, 4 inches thick, 15 feet tall, was torn apart from top to bottom in the holy of holies where the high priest made sacrifices for his sins and for the sins of the people. When Jesus died on the cross, He sacrificed His life once and for all for the sins of the whole world. He is our high priest, the earthly priest no longer needs to make blood sacrifices for the people. We now have access to the Father, through the blood of Jesus. We can now come boldly into God’s holiness. If we have confessed our sin and believed that Jesus paid the price to forgive our sins, we need not fear coming boldly to the throne where God will pour out His grace to meet our needs. It is only through Jesus that we now have access to the Father, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Act 4:12) Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”) God’s word makes it clear that coming to the Father (God) is only made possible through Jesus, the one who died for you and me so that we may approach the throne of grace with clean hands and a pure heart. Thank God! He is a God of grace and mercy, and as His child, we call Him Abba Father, and He pours out His grace to us in our time of need. Let us enter into His presence.

The Pilgrim Journey

 

Heb. 11:13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

The faithful who have lived and gone before us looked for a better place. This world was not their home, they were only passing through. We live in this present world and seek love and happiness. We are all pilgrims on this journey of life and we who are in Christ, seek to live with the blessing of God as we journey. The destination is the City of God, but often the pilgrim journey is hard, filled with heartache and pain. I think of one of my favorite hymns. 
“I can see far down the mountain, where I wandered weary years, often hindered in my journey, by the ghosts of doubts and fears; broken vows and disappointments, thickly sprinkled all the way, but the Spirit led, unerring, to the land I hold today.” 
Unlike those who died in the faith before the coming of Jesus, we have received the promise. The promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit, guides us on this pilgrim journey. We have the words of Jesus, “Seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.” We walk each day knowing that Jesus cares and desires what is best for us. The pilgrim journey is not made alone. He will bless us as we trust and obey. He will carry us through difficult times. Like the songwriter, we also can know the blessing of God as we make this journey.
“ I am drinking at the fountain, where I ever would abide; For I've tasted life's pure river, and my soul is satisfied; There's no thirst for life's pleasures, nor adorning, rich and gay. For I've found a richer treasure, One that fadeth not away.” 
Is not this pilgrim journey the land of Beulah?

Through Faith

 Heb. 11:33,34
...who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,  quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 

Men and women of the Bible were just ordinary people. They were human beings that faced  the daily struggles of life. They were really no different from you and me. It was their faith in a big God that made them extraordinary. They refused to give in and quit even when faced with imprisonment and death. They were not perfect and their humanity sometimes failed them, but through faith they were able to overcome their human weakness and were made strong by the power of God. They allowed God to work through them, and God was glorified in them. We live our lives each day doing ordinary things that appear to have insignificant impact, but God honors those who dare to believe Him. Like the father of the son with the unclean spirit we pray, “I believe, help my unbelief.” In the face of what seems impossible, Jesus says, “If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.” Have faith, trust God to do the impossible. He did it then, He can do it again!

He Is Able To Deliver

 Daniel: 3: 17,18
Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us....But if not, be it known unto you, O king, that we will not serve your gods.
God does not always answer our prayers the way we hope He would. Jesus said, Ask and you will receive. What we receive is often not the answer we would expect. The 3 Hebrew children no doubt asked God to deliver them from the hands of their enemy, but they also realized that God may have other plans for them. The attitude of prayers should always be, “Not my will. But your will be done”. God is able to bring deliverance. The 3 Hebrew children did not escape being thrown into the furnace, but God still brought deliverance. He kept the flames from destroying them, and then sent a Comforter to stand by them. We don’t know how things will always work out, but we can trust God that He is able to help us through any situations, and in the end, He will get the glory. Even if God does not answer the prayer of healing, He is still able to bring healing to the heart, and give us peace.

Root of Bitterness

 Heb. 12:15
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Bitterness is an evil spirit that holds resentment and indifference toward God or toward other people. It normally begins when one feels that they have been betrayed or been dealt unfairly. Bitterness will hold a grudge, will cause a person to respond unkindly, and may look for ways to get back. Bitterness goes beyond being angry at someone or having displeasure in someone’s actions. We may even feel at times that God does not care, or question the actions of someone that caused hurt. It is when we allow these circumstances to change our hearts from submitting to the will of God, or not letting go of the anger and allowing God to put a spirit of love, grace, and mercy in our hearts toward others. The solution is to follow peace and holiness. Let the Holy Spirit take control of your mind, body, and soul. Holiness of heart is not just a Bible doctrine, it is a life experience that we must live if we want to see God. Let God take out the root of bitterness out of your heart