Christian Living

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“ Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”- Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

The path Jesus had to tread had been prepared for Him from the beginning. He knew what it was His Father was asking Him to do. He knew the contents of the cup He had to drink. The pain of bearing the weight of generations of past and future sins and the complete separation from His Father He would have to endure. Yet throughout His time on this earth and forevermore He moves onward towards completion of the task. It says that He endured the cross, “ for the joy that was set before Him.” There is a joy set before us throughout our journey. We must have that hope in us for the things ahead to move forward in order to reach them; looking unto Jesus always.

For everyone who has been called ( and we are all called) a path has been prepared. God’s plans for us have been made ready long ago, our part is to seek out this plan and be obedient in following it. This is moving onward, this is moving forward. He is with us each step. His banner of love is being waved without cease over our heads as we follow Him. He goes before us to prepare the way as He guided His chosen people with the cloud by day and fire by night in the wilderness. Our path is lighted. They didn’t know where they were going but their Shepherd did.

“ Then He said, ‘ To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.’ ”- Mark 4:30-32 (NKJV)
The little mustard seed moved onward. Sown in the ground, though smaller than any seed, there was the hope that it would grow to be greater than any tree; and hope does not disappoint.

A greater destination is waiting for us at the end of our sojourn here and a greater journey. When we are tempted to be stagnant or feel we are losing any motivation to keep pressing on, we need the hope that we are moving onward to obtain the prize. There is a strong “ upward call” on our lives. Calling us to grow towards Jesus. To sink our roots deeper and stretch ourselves towards the light He is giving us.

“ Not that I have already obtained this, or am already perfected; but I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”- Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV)

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