[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, [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."
Last evening we had a couple hour Zoom call with a bunch of people from our church. It was such a good time of reconnecting, even if it was via an online video conference bridge. When I read these verses this morning, the first thing that popped into my mind as a photo of all of us on the call, we were definitely a "Cloud of witnesses" as Zoom is a cloud based application!
Back to the verses, here in the US, many of us have 'shelter in place" rules, thus we have a race marked out for us. It won't be easy, it will try the patience and perseverance of all. However, as encouraged, we can fix our eyes on Jesus, and run towards Him. We can remind each other and support each other. We can press into creative ways to deal with this time. Mostly, we want to take or eyes off ourselves, and our own struggles! In the greater scheme of our present situation, being cooped up in one's home or apartment is much better than being cooped up in a hospital breathing with the aid of a ventilator.
I find that if I stop thinking about all the things I wanted or planned to do, I am in a better place. I know that I am in a much better place than many, and in general, we in the United States are blessed. Let us look to each other, to help those in need, for this isn't a race we are running on our own, but one that we are running with everyone around us. Let us encourage, lift up, press in and press on with those around us. Let us take our minds off ourselves and look to the needs of those around us. Let us encourage one another to communicate honestly. We really are all in the same situation, but some are more affected than others. Let us be particularly aware of our brothers and sister who have been laid off, who have been furloughed.
I am reminded once again of Paul's encouragement to the Philippians 2:1-4 NIV:
[1] Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
If we really embrace verses 3 and 4, we will help ease the burden of this time for one another. If we all choose to look at this time unselfishly, and allow our hearts to be moved by our brothers and sisters in need, we will together be able to keep each other well, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, physically and financially.
It seems to me that for Jesus the joy set before Him was the salvation of the world. He saw the restoration of relationship with the Father, the forgiveness of sins, the empowering of the Holy Spirit, and the soon to be established church! He saw the Kingdom of God established and continuing His ministry on the earth! In the same way, we need to look beyond our present situation, and any suffering or temporary lack on our part, to the day we are able to step out from our shelters to embrace one another again!
We have really just started the race, and we have a long way in front of us, but we can set our eyes on Jesus, look to one another and continue to run with the endurance of the Holy Spirit powering us. Do not grow weary and lose heart, if you are tiring, call out for help, if you are weary reach out to others for assistance.
Lord help us to run this race as You would have us run! Help us to value others and not just look to our own interests but theirs as well. Help us to be united in heart, mind and spirit, as we follow the race marked out for us!
Amen, help us all Lord Jesus!
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