July 09th, 2020

Perseverance, Patience, Purity and Perfection
 
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, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.    Hebrews 12:1-2
 
      This is one of the great moving passages of the Bible, with it the writer has attempted to inspire those who know the Lord Jesus to extraordinary greatness.  The secret to this greatness is found in the phrase, "looking unto Jesus". Look at these men and women of faith, yes, but then look away on Jesus. Why? Because he is the author and finisher of our faith. He can begin it and he can complete it. He, as the perfect one, is the perfecter of our faith. He himself patiently ran the race as laid aside every weight, every tie of family and friends. He walked on in patient perseverance, trusting the Father to work everything out for him. He set the example and we can surely follow.
 
Contained in these few verses is the Christian's manifesto to greatness,
       1.  We have the Call to Purity. Every Christian has been called to a life of purity and holiness by daily laying aside   
            the burdens and sins that we carry. Patiently becoming more and more like Christ.
      2.  We have the Constraining Purpose. There is a race set before us that has been chosen and ordained by              
           God.  Our life is filled with purpose and direction not chance or accident.
      3.  We have the Continuing Promise. Jesus is the power of our faith. He is the goal of our journey and the  
            companion of our way. He is at once the one in who we go to meet and the one with whom we travel.  The child
            of God can take great comfort in knowing that He is a constant and caring companion in our life's journey.
 
How can this greatness be accomplished?
1. Recognizing the “Together” factor.  The writer used “we”, “us”, and “our” on purpose.  A rope with many strands is not easily broken and Christian friends and church family pulling together are not easily defeated. 
2. Remembering the Example of Christ. For the goal set before Him, He endured all things. If Jesus could endure like that, with His presence and promised provision, so can we.
3. Realizing the Potential of Our Lives.  To greatly encourage those around us; to allow Christ to complete and prefect our faith; to finish the tasks and purposes of our life; to ultimately stand with Christ and hear His “Well done, thou good and faith servant”.
 
The songwriters truly stated, “It will be worth it all after while…",  and 
                                                                                                               "for soon and very soon we are going to see the king."
                                                                                                
                                                                                        Enjoy the Journey!
 
Pastor Rudy