The Race

 April 8, 2020

The Race 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

Hebrews 12: 1,3

 

 

Consider your life. I know each of us can tell stories. Some stories are dear and many. Yet another person can tell ones that would cause us to weep. A life lived to adulthood, is a life filled with laughter and pain.

 

For the sake of Holy Week, can you find the energy disregard the pains, and the humility to set aside the victories long enough to focus on the Jesus story? It’s an opportunity to do so, so let’s set our hearts upon Jesus alone.

 

Each year we await Easter day, sometimes without taking the time to observe with reverence Jesus’ state of mind and body during the last few days of his life. He was faithful that God would be with him, but he could not escape the feeling of abandonment by his friends. And so, as he would foretell, after being taken into custody after Judas’ betrayal, he was then betrayed by the disciples as they cowered from the threat of being taken into custody themselves.

 

Then, he was humiliated, beaten, toyed with, mocked, tortured. Only a few people have had such an experience with which to relate to Jesus. Physically, emotionally, psychologically- Jesus was on his own. And he was left to suffer.

 

But Jesus, despite our abandonment, clung to his promise to love others. And as he suffered the last of pain and humiliation by being hung on the cross, he called on God to forgive his captors.

 

I doubt you are in his position right now. You could be jobless, penniless, homeless… you could be without friends or colleagues… you could be feeling the pain of illness or a resentment which controls your every thought.

 

But look around you. Not all is lost. You have the power of your special gifts. You have a family or friends. There is at least one community of people who have pledged themselves to you. These are “witnesses” our scripture speaks of. Deep down they are rooting for you. Cast aside everything that tempts you to give up. Jesus never gave up asking God to love even his captors and tormenters. You can keep going another hour, another day, another week and month and year. You, can win the race.

 

His story was for you to cling to. Run with it then. Win the race. Win our hearts. We love you.

Rev. Ken