Having exhorted us to run with patience the race set before us, the author of the epistle to the Hebrews wrote in chapter 12:3, "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." He is referring to the sarcasm and taunting of Satan's friends who crucified Christ.
What we are called here to do is to continue to run the race as Christ did, no matter how severe the contradiction of sinners becomes. Even if they want to kill us, we must run to Christ and to heavenly glory, with our souls. Never may we heed their evil talk, or go with them into the evil experiences that line the path on which we must run.
If we look at the brutal treatment given to Christ, and consider it folly to continue to run unto Him for life and blessedness, we too are contradicting Christ for what He did. How terrible! Even if -- as soon will be the case in the days of the Antichrist -- they kill us, we must not become weary in our running to Christ or faint in our minds. Fainting in the mind is ceasing to think of Christ as our Savior. Then we will still walk and run, but it will be in deviltry and on the way that leads to hell!
Yes, we need this warning. Not only does Satan use words to try to make us stop running to Christ; but our own flesh loves that which Satan presents and uses to tempt us. Our flesh loves the world and not the Kingdom of God.
As the text tells us, we must consider, not forget or deny, the necessity and wonder of Christ's cross. We must believe that He has earned this for us; and that for those who do run toward Him with their faith and walk of life, all is well, even if they are killed by men. They will be glorified by Him.
Keep your mind alert. Faint not in it. Instead look, and run without ceasing to Christ in the assurance that He will bring you there.
Read: Matthew 24:1-13
Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
2 Chronicles 35 ; 2 Chronicles 36:1-23
1 Corinthians 1:1-17
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 20:20-21
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Quote for Reflection:
"None will be found so pure as not to need the mercy of God, and if we wish to partake of it, we must feel our wretchedness. ...For, when he comands all his disciples to betake themselves to him daily for the forgiveness of sins, every one who thinks that he has no need of such a remedy, is struck out of the number of the disciples." ~ John Calvin on the 5th petition of the Lord’s Prayer
Additional Info
- Date: 4-August
