...let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. 

Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 

keeping our eyes on Jesus, 

the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. 

For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, 

despising the shame,

and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, 

so that you won't grow weary and give up.

Hebrews 12:1-3 CSB

When our strength seems small, when our hands drop, the writer to the Hebrews says look at Jesus, look to Jesus, and choose to stay in the "race". 

To run with endurance means cutting some things out, cutting things away that tangle us up and slow us down. 

And keep our eyes on Jesus.

Jesus the pioneer.

We choose to follow the pioneer.

Jesus the perfector of our faith, we choose to rest in what he has done.

Have you ever wondered what the "joy that lay before him" is that Jesus held as he went to the cross?

He held us, you and me, his church, in mind, in his heart. 

When the race was at its toughest, Jesus held us in his heart.

When the race is at its toughest, hold on to Jesus. 

#sunday

#worship

#thisisourGod