Surveying the Cross: A Place of Direction (Hebrew 12:1-3)

Snippet of Sermon by Rev Helen Hoe

 

Life is a journey with different junctures, where we need to make decisions. How do we make the decision? We look to how Jesus took the path. Writer of the Hebrews spoke of life as a race. We are running the race of life. We want to fulfill the goals that we have set for ourselves. We come to a point where we become aware of our encounter with God. that encounter gives life a new goal, a new purpose and destination. We see this in Abraham.

 

We are here for a purpose - to live our lives in fulfillment of God's intent for us. Heb 11:13-16 " Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country." (The Message) They form the cloud of witnesses. Each example, without exception, had lived their lives in such a manner. I am but a transient being in this world longing for a true home.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you see your faith as a Sunday matter? Do I compartmentalize my life?
2. What constitutes finishing well?
3. Has my life here made an impact in this community?

Fixing our Eyes on Jesus

Look to him because he is motivated to finish his life by doing things God's way.

• Looking to Jesus keeps us from being distracted. J. Hudson Taylor: "“God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.”    Do you feel that you have to help God but in the process, you decide to do it yourselves?
• Look to Jesus when we grow weary and lose heart. We are invited into his death... yet what is certain is that we will experience a surge of life. Isaiah 40:30-31 " Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. " Christ is IN US empowering us. Eph 3:16 says we find his strength has been imparted to us  "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being". He has gone within us to provide us the power. Matt 28:18-20.

Picture the scene "where the heavenly stadium is filled with old saints, all cheering you on, and you keep moving forward. Then you see the One at the finishing line, no one has run the race like him. You hear his voice like no other. You decide, 'yes the race is hard but you persevere because you will know joy as you never know. You can't wait to see his face. Then crossing your finishing line, you collapse into his arms and he says, "I have waited for you since the beginning of time, I am very glad that you've finished the race. Well done Good and faithful servant, enter into my joy."

Reflection Questions

1. How are you keeping up at the race? How can the promise of the Lord to empower you be appropriated?
2. Share with someone your special need in this journey.