Prophetic Word 2024 - Day 35: Looking to Jesus helps us endure hardship.

“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

As a child, I greatly dreaded when it came time in the school year to do gymnastics in PE. And, it came every single year, even in my first year in High School! I struggled to do what other more agile and lean bodies did, often with painful consequences.

However, I noticed an interesting phenomenon: Every once in a while, the gym teacher would show (reel to reel, of course) movies of people performing the gymnastic feats we were attempting. These gymnasts made it look so easy! They did what they did so effortlessly, that for a few moments, I felt I could do what I thought I could never do.

Now, the sad reality is, that feeling of courage to try the feats one more time, evaporated as I struggled to put “legs” (pun intended) on my courage. But nonetheless, for those few moments, I felt like I could do it.

You see, the fact is, seeing an expert doing any number of things, makes it look so easy that someone watching them may think, even if for just a moment, they’re able to do what they are SEEING these experts do. Indeed, inspiration by example has proved to be enough motivation to steer some people to actually accomplish what they had thought was impossible for them.

On the other hand, some will—as I did (concerning the tumbling)—get discouraged when they try to put their confidence into practice.

Paul, in instructing the church at Corinth, tells them this:

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.“

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

As their apostle, Paul knew that he was reflecting Christ to them; and, they would learn to do the same, by first following his example.

When Paul knew that the time of his execution was drawing near, he warned his spiritual son, Timothy, to not follow after those who go astray.

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Paul could encourage Timothy to endure, remain steadfast, even under harsh circumstances, because he knew Timothy had seen him endure many hardships. He was an example of how to endure.

“Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.“

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭23‬-‭28‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In our opening scripture we see that the writer of Hebrews, having just expounded concerning those who had been examples of endurance through faith, turns to presenting the ultimate example of endurance: Jesus Christ.

After our opening verses the writer of Hebrews says this:

“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.“

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Yes, Jesus is our ultimate example of endurance. But even beyond that, looking to Him makes sure we have His help to do what He did!

Unlike those expert gymnasts who could only inspire me, but not assist me, Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, supplies the example AND the ability for us to be able to endure. But make no mistake, this only happens when our eyes are stayed on Him!

“I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.“

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#resolveforhim