By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Hebrews 12:1 "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."
The author of this letter had just taught about the importance of faith, its accomplishments and those who endured and did great things by faith. They were ahead of us, stood in the faith amidst very severe trials, and are now our witnesses, cheering us on to endure to the end. The Christian journey of faith is compared to a number of life endeavors. In this case, it’s compared to a race.
In a race track, every competitor has a marked out lane or route they are expected to follow. If they cross the lines, they are disqualified. Likewise, our race, in the time and actual assignments to accomplish in our generation have been marked out for us. We are responsible to God for what happens in our lanes for the time we are here. Those who were here before us, or will come after, are responsible for theirs. God made each for his time to accomplish specific purposes. He makes no mistakes and gives grace for the purpose.
The challenges in the race necessitates running with perseverance and focus on Jesus. There are temptations to be diverted or give up, but the great cloud of witnesses who overcame and went ahead are cheering us on, the same way competitors in a physical race are cheered by their funs and supporters. May we all run to the end to win the prize and be recieved by our Master with a ‘welldone good and faithful servant’ grand reception. Nothing in all the world will compare with this joy! And so shall we share in the joy of our Master forever.
Revelation 2:10 "…Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Shalom children of God.