“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
The Bible admonishes us to consider the faithfulness, the personal sacrifices and devoted service rendered to God by the saints of all ages. We are also to consider that the faith to live such lives comes from looking unto Jesus.
Hebrews 11 is often referred to as an honor roll of faithful saints. It speaks of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, David, Samuel, etc. It lauds their faith for making accomplishments beyond their own abilities. It holds up their God given victories when going up against superior foes. It praises their courageous faith in withstanding torture and laying down their lives, rather than deny the faith. It values their willingness to forsake all the world had to offer, to fulfill God’s call and purpose, esteeming heavenly rewards above earthly gain.
In view of the stories of their lives, etched out by faith, what does the story of our life have to witness in comparison, as well as to those we are responsible to inspire? How much of our lives are being defined by the accomplishments of faith?
What kind of a story does our life tell? What sacrifices have we made to advance the kingdom of Christ? What characterizes our way of life? Have we been spiritual pillars in the church? Who have we been instrumental in bringing to Christ?
The revelations of God’s Word can enable us to fast forward to the judgment seat of Christ, to understand how the lives we are now living will fare then. We need to meditate in God’s Word and pray to understand now, what our lives will prove to be in the presence of our omniscient God.
We must consider–will we be satisfied with our lives, when they are put up beside the lives of the saints of other ages, and when it is made known what they could have been by looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith?
SHARING
