Faithfully Running The Race
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Hebrews 12 and Psalm 148 (NIV)
(Adriel Gwee, SGM Asst Zone Leader)
READ:
Hebrews 12:1-8
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, 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.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
OBSERVE:
Following the examples of faith given in Chapter 11, the writer of Hebrews encourages us to lay aside the things that weigh us down, including sin, to run the race of faith with endurance by looking to Jesus and His example of enduring the Cross for the joy that is to come. He also reminds us that God disciplines us to build us up.
APPLY:
In the midst of all the distractions and temptations that I face each day, I am reminded to fix my eyes on Jesus in this journey of faith. Some of these distractions may seem to be good things but can take my energy away from wholeheartedly following Jesus.
In the times when I face trials or discipline, I am reminded to turn to Jesus, to endure as God is building me up.
DO:
I will make time with God a priority each day and intentionally slow down during those times so that I may see things in perspective and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus instead of the world. When I am going through trials, I will seek Him and remember that I am His child.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, thank You that I am Your child and that You are shaping and moulding me in this journey of faith. Help me to look to You each day and to know the joy that I have in You that I may run this race faithfully. In Jesus name, Amen.
