(Hebrews 12:1) “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
It is rather intriguing the way God the Holy Spirit uses various means to speak to God’s children. Sometimes it is the unlikeliest places we find His direct voice as it gives us clear direction. We often like to second guess His voice as we are yet carnal in many ways. This then is what I received this morning, it was the very first think I read in the dubious of places and I quote; “Although it should not happen, occasionally the Born Again believer may find that they have lost their way. If this is you, the critical thing is to accept your weakness, then draw from the strength of Jesus AND TURN AWAY from whatever it was that tripped you. It is not the one who says the sinner's prayer who will be saved, but the one who says it, believes it, and ENDURES TO THE END. This is vastly different from the false feel-good gospel that is so commonly preached today!” (Allen Hemphill - Facebook) – Very wise words on many levels; we shouldn’t lose our way but we may have… if so - do this; accept ones weakness and turn away (repent) looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; it isn’t simply about words but actions will win the day. It will take endurance to finish the race. Not everyone who says Lord, Lord haven’t I done this in your name will make it.
It would be good for us to remember why we are in this race; whilst I was a boy at school on occasion I was asked to run middle distance races, not on any great level but inter-house seemed to need my participation. During the race I often ask myself this question, what on earth am I doing running this middle distance race as it is not my forte. I never even placed and it seemed such a waste of time. I wonder how often we “in type” feel the same way as Christians. It wasn’t until I got my national service call-up papers and I eventually found myself in Oudtshoorn’s Infantry School that I learnt something about myself that I never knew. I actually could run, but never believed it and never push myself to my limit. As an English speaking individual with the surname Arthur and with my black belt instead of a brown one, we marines stood out like sore thumbs! We were easy pickings for the Afrikaans army instructors and the only way to silence them was to beat everyone else in the 2,4km race we were often forced to run.
I suppose once I had decided that I was going to make the most of my National service it got a lot easier, not that the training got any easier but my mind-set allowed me to be the best I could be. That leaves me with this question, why are we Christian? I am a Christian because I believe without the finished work of Calvary I would be lost in a dismal place, the Lake of Fire, without God and in constant torment. A thought too horrific to consider! But God in His goodness and mercy in spite of myself had mercy on me and opened my eyes to His Son’s sacrifice, but more specifically His sacrifice for me. What now should my response be? This race was never intended as an easy ride, but if we all come to this conclusion; wherever He will lead I will follow. That does not mean that life will be easy, it won’t be! Regardless of what He has in store for us, it will certainly be worth it all!
As Christians who then are we? We are children of the living God…
“Your heavenly Father.”
- Mat_6:26
God’s people are doubly his children, they are his offspring by creation, and they are his sons by adoption in Christ. Hence they are privileged to call him, “Our Father which art in heaven.” Father! Oh, what precious word is that. Here is authority: “If I be a Father, where is mine honour?” If ye be sons, where is your obedience? Here is affection mingled with authority; an authority which does not provoke rebellion; an obedience demanded which is most cheerfully rendered-which would not be withheld even if it might. The obedience which God’s children yield to him must be loving obedience. Do not go about the service of God as slaves to their taskmaster’s toil, but run in the way of his commands because it is your Father’s way. Yield your bodies as instruments of righteousness, because righteousness is your Father’s will, and his will should be the will of his child. Father!-Here is a kingly attribute so sweetly veiled in love, that the King’s crown is forgotten in the King’s face, and his sceptre becomes, not a rod of iron, but a silver sceptre of mercy-the sceptre indeed seems to be forgotten in the tender hand of him who wields it. Father!-Here is honour and love. How great is a Father’s love to his children! That which friendship cannot do, and mere benevolence will not attempt, a father’s heart and hand must do for his sons. They are his offspring, he must bless them; they are his children, he must show himself strong in their defence. If an earthly father watches over his children with unceasing love and care, how much more does our heavenly Father? Abba, Father! He who can say this, hath uttered better music than cherubim or seraphim can reach. There is heaven in the depth of that word-Father! There is all I can ask; all my necessities can demand; all my wishes can desire. I have all in all to all eternity when I can say, “Father.” (C.H.Spurgeon)
Signing off
Tyrone
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