Thursday, August 25, 2016
Hebrews 12:2 ...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.
THE RACE OF FAITH: KEEPING FOCUS
Those involved in sports know the ability to focus is important. Top tier athletes have the ability to concentrate on the goal, to block out all distractions, to lock in on the target--to focus! Without such concentration a competitor will likely lose not only a few seconds, but even Olympic gold.
Thankfully, our Lord Jesus never lost focus. In the middle of His earthly mission, He told His disciples: "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" (John 4:34). Nothing disrupted Jesus' concentration, even though His mission included humbling Himself to the point of innocently suffering and dying on the cross for the sins of the world.
Thus Jesus deserves the titles of Author (originator) and Finisher (completer) of our faith. There would be no faith in us, nor would our faith continue, were it not for Christ who, after completing His earthly mission, "sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Fellow marathoners, note well: despite everything Jesus had to endure, He won the victory! Similarly, though our spiritual steeplechase takes us through the scorching fires of persecution and the deep waters of a variety of setbacks, difficulties, trials, and tribulations, the Spirit of God is there--lest we lose our focus--to preserve us in the faith and lead us on to victory.
Truly, "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).
Cast afar this world's vain pleasure
And boldly strive for heav'nly treasure.
Be steadfast in the Savior's might.
Trust the Lord, who stands beside you,
For Jesus from all harm will hide you.
By faith you conquer in the fight.
Take courage, weary soul! Look forward to the goal!
Joy awaits you. The race well run, Your long war won,
Your crown shines splendid as the sun.
(Lutheran Service Book, 668:2)
