While in the flesh, we will experience troublesome times. Even though most of the challenges we face are manageable, some are more difficult for us to get a handle on. However grievous they might seem to be, earthly cares must never be given priority over our spiritual service to God. The Hebrew penman instructed Saints to consider Jesus, “…who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:3). When Christians encounter difficulty, they need only to think on the faithfulness of Jesus who was crucified and resurrected so that we might have opportunity for eternal life. Upon examination, the problems we experience, while in our physical bodies, are trivial when compared to the suffering Jesus experienced for our sake.
Lest they fall victim to weariness and discouragement, Disciples of Christ must for themselves and others, “…strengthen the hands which hang down, the feeble knees, and make straight paths for their feet…” (Hebrews 12:12-13). Only by proper training in His Word, and hearing and doing His will, can we be lifted above worldly circumstances.
Furthermore, the Hebrew penman, teaching the need for endurance, declared “…since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). Surrounded by faithful examples from Saints who have gone on before us, we must set aside all earthly concerns and run so as to obtain eternal life. With a confident, hopeful expectation of obtaining the prize of living forever, disciples of Christ must hold on to what they have obtained. This can only be done by “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2). Staying our minds on Jesus, the source of eternal joy, will help us stand up for Him and His church.
Along the road of life, we must pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Brethren, we can guard our lives in Christ by “looking carefully lest…” we “…fall short of the grace of God” (Hebrews 12:15).
While on our way to glory, attentiveness is required, for the devil will not let you run an unhindered race. Yes, he will bring into our lives contrary winds and seas to navigate, high mountains to climb, deep valleys and worldly fog to keep us from seeing and staying on the right path. The only safe way to journey is on the King’s Highway—the narrow running surface mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 7: 13-14. His Way is not only paved with the light of His Word, it is also paved by His promise of eternal life (1 John 2:25).
How is your journey going? Are you on the right path? If so, are you always looking to Jesus, the one who paved the Way for you?