Surrounded

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Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

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 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Devotion:

            The writer of Hebrews (whoever that was) has just finished in chapter 11 giving us a list of faithful men and women who have been martyred for their faith. These faithful people are likely joined by all the faithful men and women who have lived and died up to the present in “the great cloud of witnesses”. He says we are completely surrounded by these deceased saints. Because these are watching us from heaven, we are encouraged to get rid of all hinderances and sins which we as humans fall into on a daily basis.

            In my own life I like to view my family that has gone on to heaven as observing my behavior as part of that great cloud of witnesses. Since most of my family who have died have died in the faith. It is easy for me to imagine these deceased relatives being interested in how I live my life. Therefore, I truly feel surrounded by this particular cloud of witnesses. I can feel the love of God for me through them whenever I pray or meditate on God.

            The author of Hebrews pictures life as a race. Not a sprint but rather a marathon that must be run with endurance. As we run, we are to “fix our eyes on Jesus”. Fixing our eyes on Jesus is getting harder and harder to do in our modern world. Because there are so many things that can distract us and take our attention away from Jesus and onto the things of this world, and onto ourselves. We must constantly be refocusing our gaze on Jesus. We ought to be faithful to Jesus in our lives because it was his life, death, and resurrection that makes our faith possible.

            We must give our careful attention to Jesus and what he endured during his life, trial, and crucifixion. The pain and suffering Jesus endured because of our sin is a terrible, yet somehow wonderful, thing to behold. The thought of a God that loves us enough to die so that we might live eternally in heaven with him and that great cloud of witnesses is a wonderous thing to behold. Our deceased relatives and friends will be with us for all eternity. This is a wonderful thought. It leads me to pray:

Prayer:

            Heavenly Father you are an awesome wonderful God. When we even try to comprehend what you have done for us, we cannot wrap our finite minds around it. You are infinite in love, kindness, and forgiveness. We thank you for sending Jesus to earth to show us what you are like. We confess that we often take you for granted dear Lord. We only ask that you help us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, so that we may live a life that is pleasing in your sight. Amen.   

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