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Endurance comes from our example in Christ
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6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Something that all parents eventually learn is that parenting never ends. While young parents may read this and feel dismay, have no fear. Parenting, as a life-long adventure, is certain to have hardships as parents watch children struggle, but it is also filled with moments of sheer joy causing parents to forget difficulties as they watch children accomplish great successes in life! We have a similar relationship with God! This is what Paul tells the Philippian church in the opening paragraphs of his letter. Paul reminds them God is in this for the long haul. He began the work and he won’t be finished until the day of Christ.
Similarly, in Hebrews 12:1-2, the author compares life to a race set before us and notes the endurance we’ll need as we run it. That endurance comes from our example in Christ and the race he ran during his earthly ministry, culminating in taking a seat at the right hand of God. What we see here, is Jesus ahead of us. If you’ve ever been in racing event involving competition with others, you’ll know that taking your eyes off the finish can produce all manner of undesirable results: falling or running into a neighboring lane being but a few. As believers, we have Jesus to look to!
Paul insinuates that this journey is life-long, much like parents with their children. There are going to be bumps and scary curves in the road of life, but we can be sure Christ is before us and God is with us. Each experience along the way can bring glory to God! Take a moment during your busy day and consider a time when you journeyed through a rough patch of life and you knew God was delivering you. Then, reread the scriptures for today worshiping God for his unending love for you!
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.
– Hebrews 12:1-2
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By Rich Obrecht
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