Title: Faith Looking at Jesus/Hebrews 12:1~3
“Therefore, since we have a multitude of witnesses surrounding us like a cloud, let us lay aside every burden and the sin that easily entangles us, and with patience run the race set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that is set before him crosses the cross. He was patient, despicing the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God
The phrase 'half starts is half the beginning', as we often use, shows how important our attitude towards facts and situations is. In Numbers 13, except for Joshua and Caleb, who spyed on Canaan, the remaining ten consistently poured out negative words. However, Joshua and Caleb, who looked at the land of Canaan with the eyes of faith, became the protagonists of the settlement of Canaan according to their faith. This is the 'Law of Looking'. Through today's text, we learn several lessons.
First, it is a faith that casts off all heavy and easily entangled sins. Jesus is the Son of God who came to this earth to take away our sins. The most important blessing to receive and enjoy through Jesus is the forgiveness of sins. The sin that the Bible speaks of is not a problem of worldly sin, but a deviation from God's will. A life that deviates from God's covenant and word is a sin. Therefore, the Christian life is liberation from the problems of sin that bind us.
Second, it is a faith that runs with patience and perseverance to the end. One thing the great people of God have in common is that they persevered. It was the same with Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In order to reap the fruits of the seeds planted, it takes hard work and sweat. As we race the race set before us with perseverance, we must endure hardships like the cross well for the days of joy to come. We must live with the faith that the moment of victory through the gospel in Christ Jesus will come.
Third, it is faith that overcomes fatigue and discouragement by thinking of Jesus. When we fully look to Jesus, we restore the image of God and are born again in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must practice to live while always thinking of Jesus. Then, your faith will grow and you will be able to overcome fatigue and discouragement. As Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not grow weary in doing good; if we are not weary, we will reap a harvest in due time."