Running The Race Of Faith : Jesus Is Greater SeriesSample
Warning #5 Pt. 1
Thoughts on the Word
This is the start of the fifth and final warning. It covers today’s and tomorrow’s word.
This fifth warning talks about the difference between God coming down to Sinai and speaking to His people and our ability to go into His presence—to His very throne. If they did not treat God’s presence on the mountain with honor, fear, and reverence at mount Sinai, they were killed. It was very simple.
Now we have the privilege of entering His very Presence at His throne. There, we are surrounded by not just the presence of God the Righteous Judge, but angels who do His bidding perfectly, those who have suffered to follow God’s commands in ages past, and Jesus Himself—the One who died for our sins.
Sometimes, we forget these things when we focus on our suffering. We forget that others suffered and held on tight to obedience. We forget the cost of sins—the suffering of Jesus, God’s Son. We forget that God is a true and righteous judge who will judge everyone impartially. When we come into His presence, all the things we face here on this earth come clearly into perspective.
If we reject this picture and turn our backs on Jesus, what chance do we have?
The second thing I want to bring out is the last line—that the blood of Jesus speaks.
First, it speaks about good things: forgiveness and healing. The blood of Abel cried out for vengeance and justice. His death was the result of anger, rebellion, and pride. It’s voice cried out to God for justice. One of the most powerful words spoken on our behalf is the blood of Jesus. It can set us free, it can change our lives with a few words, “I paid this price in full!”.
Prayer
Father, the spiritual world is so difficult to see and understand. I focus on what I see and even that should be enough to hold tightly to Jesus. If I could see the spiritual realm clearly, it would be even more obvious to me that Jesus is worth holding tightly to. So today, I ask for another perspective of Jesus—one that sees Jesus in His glory and His honor in heaven. I know that I need to walk by faith here, but there are times when a brief glimpse is so powerful. When I get weary, when I get discouraged, or when I get wounded by people (and it threatens to allow a root of bitterness), help me to see Jesus. Give me that picture afresh so I never allow my heart to draw back from Jesus. Father, that is my prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture
About this Plan
It’s RACE DAY. You are feeling one of two ways—prepared or petrified. The prepared look forward to running, knowing that the hours of disciplined training has equipped them to compete well. The petrified on the other hand, want to pull out—they’re not ready. Plan Eight of Nine devotional plans taking us through Hebrews illustrates the importance of being disciplined by God to finish strong our race of faith.
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