Have you ever felt like being a Christian is just too difficult? Do you ever wonder if it wouldn’t just be easier sometimes to give up and enjoy living in the present? If so then this mornings lesson from Hebrew’s 11:20-12:2 is just for you. And if Jesus words to the disciples this morning are anything to go by we could all probably use a little encouragement. (Luke 12:49-59).
Jesus is on the way up to Jerusalem and he tells the disciples in no uncertain terms that following him will be no easy ride. He wants them to know that the choices we make now have eternal consequences and that in the end true repentance and turning to him is the only way.
The writer of the letter to the Hebrews also knows that to be a Christian is no guarantee of an easy ride. In fact to prove the point he provides us with a long list of Jewish heroes of the faith. All of these folk faced tough challenges but were able to persevere in faithfulness and bear fruit for the Kingdom. And if they could do it so can we.
The image given is of athletes running in a race, and not just any race, but a marathon. The good news is that we are not left to run this race alone. We are reminded that Jesus is there cheering for us every step of the way. Why I hear you ask? Because he believes in us and wants us to believe in him .
“ So let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2
Till next time ... Andrew
