V 1-3 "Seeing we are also compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside ever weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
The race that is set before us is the lifelong test of faith, in this present world. Heb 10: 23-38, Heb. 11.
The race must be run with patience, perseverance and endurance. The way of victory is the same as that of the saints in Hebrews 11, pressing to the finish. The race must be run by laying aside the sins that impede or slow us down. By fixing our eyes, lives and hearts on Jesus and His example of constant obedience. He set on earth, so we are assured of victorious living.
"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despised the shame of it."
"For consider him that endured such contradictions of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
The word author means one who leads or acts as principal. The word finisher means completion or perfection; one who brings to perfect consummation. The one who called us will lead us, and keep us, protect us and bring us into the completeness of His will, and finally to Heaven itself. Keep your mind on Jesus, His word, His promises. Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and He will direct your path. There must be an awareness that the greatest peril confronting us is the temptation to yield to sin, to return to that country from where we were called out, and to become citizens once more of the world.
V 12-15 "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled….."
We must yield to God's holiness, rely on His grace to enable us, and keep our hearts and our minds on Christ Jesus. A root of bitterness refers to a spirit and attitude that is characterized by intense animosity and resentment. We can have an attitude of bitter resentment toward God's discipline instead of humble submission to His will for our lives.
Bitterness can also be directed toward persons in the church, which only defiles the person who is bitter. Bitterness in the community of believers can spread and defile many, destroying the "holiness without which no man shall see the Lord."
Let us look unto Jesus, our Savior, our Holiness, our Grace, our Enabler, and be washed by His Word and be cleansed by His Spirit. Let us give glory unto Him, who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Glorify the Lord in your soul, your body, and spirit, which belongs to Him.
Bro. Benson
Friday
Hebrews 12
Today starts the celebration for two wonderful people. The Bensons have labored 40 years to give us the church that we enjoy today. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and today we hear from this great man once again. How privileged we have all been to sit under his leadership, and grow in the Lord with his instruction. We honor you both this day, weekend, and for many day to come. Thank you Bro. and Sis. Benson for all you have given us.
