The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: Hebrews 12:1-3 // Psalm 125

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1

Surrounded

We’re surrounded! These are not comforting words if you’re in a battle. However, these words give great encouragement if you’re running a race with the stands full of cheering fans. “We’re surrounded!” That’s the cry as we Christians run the race set before us. Imagine the cheering crowds as we run. There’s Noah. “God helped me endure the ridicule. Keep running.” Abraham is cheering. “Don’t give up. The Lord got me through the testing.” Listen to Moses. “Nothing is impossible with God.” The chant is deafening, over and over again. “God help us. He’ll help you!”
Surrounded by the faithful, we run in faith. Surrounded by the faithful, we repent and lay aside our faithless deeds. Surrounded by the faithful, we fix our eyes on the source of our faith, Jesus. Surrounded by the faithful, we run in awe that Jesus would find joy fixing His eyes on us as He endured the shame of our sin on the cross.
“We’re surrounded!” Praise God.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your faithfulness and for your faithful ones, those who have gone before us in the faith. Amen.

July 26, 2009