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. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews12:1-3
We've spent the last five weeks reflecting on Faith.
But ultimately faith is a RELATIONSHIP and not a mechanism.
Faith isn't a mental exercise or a state of mind that is a lever to God's toolbox and a way of getting what we want.
Faith is in a person - it's hope and trust that comes from knowing the amazing love of an amazing God.
Let's do what the author suggests: Let's fix our eyes on Jesus...
- He's the author of our faith. When Adam and Eve sinned, it was clear from the outset that the Son would "bruise the head of the serpent"
- He's the perfecter of our faith. He was wholly God who wholly gave himself as a holy and whole sacrifice for our sin.
- He faced the cross with a joyous anticipation because He scorned its shame in favour of showing us what love looked like.
- He sat down at God's right hand, having ascended in His resurrected but human body to indicate that the work was done and salvation was obtained.
Faith is not a mindset - it's a friendship.
Maybe the best definition of faith is encapsulated in the great old hymn:
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouragedâ€"
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refugeâ€"
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
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This brings us to the end of our series on Faith and Hebrews 11 (and 12 :-) ) We'll start a special 30 day journey tomorrow...
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
