“…since we are SURROUNDED (perikeimai: to be enclosed or encircled) by such A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES, (martus: those who have proved the genuineness of their faith in Christ) 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, FIXING OUR EYES ON JESUS, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) This could mean that people who are with the Lord are all around us and OBSERVING how we are living for Christ, or we can read of their VICTORIES in the Word of God and FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE. So, Christ, “For the JOY set before Him He 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 sinners, so that YOU WILL NOT GROW WEARY AND LOSE HEART.” (Hebrews 12:3) We can have such great hope in Christ’s victories because Jesus said, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and WE WILL COME AND MAKE OUR HOME with EACH OF THEM.” (John 14:23)
“Therefore, STRENGTHEN your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO LIVE IN PEACE WITH EVERYONE AND TO BE HOLY; WITHOUT HOLINESS NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Hebrews 12:12-15)
Can we really live Holy? “…now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “YOU MUST BE HOLY BECAUSE I AM HOLY.” (Leviticus 19:2), (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham