Verse of the Day 4/4

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 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, ² 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.

 

Yesterday we considered what it means to us that Jesus carried our sins to the cross.  Because of what He did for us we may not only receive the forgiveness of sins but the grace of God which gives us the strength to leave them behind and to follow Him.  Today's verses follow Hebrews 11 and the "hall of faith", a review of history of those who have done the same thing.  They all looked towards Jesus.

 

We may think of our sins as the "weight" that the author mentions, but John MacArthur points out that "it is different from the sin mentioned next, this refers to the main encumbrance holding down the Hebrews, which was the Levitical system with its stifling legalism."  This legalism today might be considered "religiosity",trying to follow today's rules and regulations in our own power, not being guided by the Spirit and grace.

 

"True spirituality is not a superhuman religiosity; it is simply true humanity released from bondage to sin and renewed by the Holy Spirit. This is given to us as we grasp by faith the full content of Christ's redemptive work: freedom from the guilt and power of sin, and newness of life through the indwelling and outpouring of his Spirit." — Richard F. Lovelace

 

Take some time today to consider what "the joy set before him" means in verse 12.  Think of the power to free us from all that entangles us that we may live for Him, through the power of the Spirit, for the glory of God the Father, looking forward to the day when we will join Him for eternity along with all the saints mentioned in Hebrews 11 and through all of history.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Hebrews 12:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)

God's Discipline Proves His Love

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. ³ Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.