For the athletes, the dream of being in the Olympics has consumed thoughts, hours, diets, relationships, days, weeks, and months. Athletes have been training for years for these past two weeks, to show the world their skills in the different sports.
Last night was the much anticipated hockey game between Canada and the U.S.A. Most TV's were tuned to this game, as people sat on the edge of their couches, bowls of chips on their coffee tables, many nails were bitten in suspense as Canada and U.S.A. tied in the last few seconds of the third period. As the game went into overtime, to Canada's relief and excitement, a goal slipped past Team U.S.A.'s goalie, into the net and Canada won the gold medal.
Every Canadian who was watching the game, uttered some cry of excitement and cheered, as Team Canada brought another gold medal to the list of medals.
As I was thinking about the big game today, I couldn't help but see the parallel to the first three verses in Hebrews 12:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
The author of Hebrews is talking about Christians running the race of life and meanwhile the heavens are filled with witnesses who are watching, cheering, and encouraging them on towards Jesus.
Similarly as we watched the thousands of athletes who did each sport with excellence, with their eyes fixed on the gold medal, we as Christians are reminded and encouraged in Hebrews to fix our eyes on Jesus, and run with everything that is within us towards the cross.
Don't be discouraged when your kids aren't listening during Bible time, someone in your group is listening. Don't be discouraged when you think that no one understood what you were trying to teach, someone understands.
Remember that whenever it feels like you failed in either how you told the Bible story, or when the craft flopped, or if you forgot the "all important" snack, you have a cloud of witnesses surrounding you, cheering you on towards the goal. Dust yourself off and get back up again and start running.
Be encouraged as you go about your week. Remember Jesus, who endured such shame, He did so for us. Focus on Him. And run! Run towards Him with perseverance!
Similarly as we watched the thousands of athletes who did each sport with excellence, with their eyes fixed on the gold medal, we as Christians are reminded and encouraged in Hebrews to fix our eyes on Jesus, and run with everything that is within us towards the cross.
Don't be discouraged when your kids aren't listening during Bible time, someone in your group is listening. Don't be discouraged when you think that no one understood what you were trying to teach, someone understands.
Remember that whenever it feels like you failed in either how you told the Bible story, or when the craft flopped, or if you forgot the "all important" snack, you have a cloud of witnesses surrounding you, cheering you on towards the goal. Dust yourself off and get back up again and start running.
Be encouraged as you go about your week. Remember Jesus, who endured such shame, He did so for us. Focus on Him. And run! Run towards Him with perseverance!
1 comments:
I loved this post, the way you presented it was great! good job :)
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