Eyes on Our Greatest Example

Verse of the day: Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, 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, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Many have gone on before us whom God used greatly. Their example was outlined for us in the previous chapter of Hebrews, chapter 11. These were ordinary people who were used by a supernatural, and extraordinary, God. Today, we have the same opportunity to be used by God, if we would just surrender to Him, and put aside those earthly things, and our pet sins, that hold us down, and hinder our relationship with, and service to, God. We are reminded in these verses to keep our focus on our Greatest Example, Jesus. He did not focus on the pain He would have to endure, but rather on the end result, the joy of providing us eternal life. So we too are to focus on Jesus, and the rewards we will receive at home, in Heaven; rather than be distracted by the earthly gains, trials, and tribulations, that so easily derail us in our faith. We must move forward, not looking at the past or at what we can gain now, that has no eternal value. Many of us may suffer loss, and have suffered loss, but have not suffered as Jesus did. He endured pain, and shame. Yet, today, He sits at the right hand of the Father. So we, as we endure whatever God allows, are on our way to our heavenly home. Nothing we have to endure here compares to what He has in store for us there. So let us be steadfast, and immoveable, in our service, and dedication, to our Greatest Example, our Living Hope, Jesus, our Lord and Savior.