Remember Who You Are
Identity: The set of characteristics by which a person or thing is definitively recognizable or known.
“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus…” Hebrews 12:1
In Hebrews 12, our faith journey is likened to a race. We are encouraged by Paul to rid the obstacles (difficulties, hinderances) and run with endurance. Endurance is not fast, rather a steady pace with sure timing. The next verse gives us the key by instructing us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. By shifting our focus to Jesus, we are given the opportunity to SEE who we are called to be when we self-evaluate! Knowing that we are created to be sons, positioned in Christ, everything he is should be present in us. We are full of truth, strong, well able, loving, patient and full of purpose.
When Steve was preaching Sunday, he mentioned running our race with determination, even in the cloudy times. When understanding is not present, rather than reflect on what has held us back, he encouraged us to reflect on the beginning. When I heard the word beginning, I thought of Genesis 1 and 2. What was in the beginning? There was a garden, a relationship, and a responsibility. Yahweh placed man in a garden. He had the supply of heaven at his disposal. Yahweh desired relationship, longing for man to co-labor in creation. And Yahweh gave man responsibility not just over the garden, but every living creature. Wow! Consider that for a moment.
As we take our rightful position in Christ, the original intent of our father’s heart can manifest fully. As we run our race with endurance, we have the supply of heaven at our disposal, a fruitful relationship with our father and the responsibility to be heaven’s reflection in the earth. May we remember (re-member) who we are called to be from the beginning!