HomeWord - Apr. 8, 2009
How About Jesus?
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.—Hebrews 12:1-4
For a while, driving the 405 freeway in Southern California was an irritating experience. Now, you may be thinking, “Does anyone enjoy driving on California freeways? I’ve heard about that LA traffic!” And while there is some merit to this line of thought, I’m not referring to the traffic. “What?” you ask not understanding. “Is there any other reason to hate driving in Los Angeles?” You see, there was a billboard looming high above the freeway. I can see it now, countless numbers of people driving past its message everyday. My stomach gets queasy just thinking about it! It’s an ESPN ad, seemingly harmless, with a couple of WNBA players on it. It is the text that seizes me… “Without Sports who would we follow?”
In an age consumed with the life of glamour and the love of money, it should not be a surprise that this ad insinuates we actually need sports stars in order to have role models. Who would we follow?! I have an answer. How about Parents? Youth Pastors? Missionaries? Firemen? Teachers? Nurses? Doctors? How about Jesus?
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t have athletes as role models. But there is more to a person that what they do for a job. As we pick and choose our role models, it is essential to look at the heart of the person. Hebrews talks about a ‘great cloud of witnesses.’ All around us are people who love the Lord and serve him in their daily lives. How awesome that you and I were not sent into this sinful world alone! The Lord gave us brothers and sisters in Christ who will run this race with us and help us through the entangling powers of sin. The important thing to remember, however, is that it is Jesus who we fix our eyes on. The role models in this world are other Christians running the same race and serving as examples.
GOING DEEPER:
- According to Hebrews 12:1-4, who should we follow?
- Write down the names of some role models in your life. Why are they role models? Are these healthy people to model your life after?
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 119:105-109; Hebrews 11; 1 Corinthians 4:16-17; Titus 2: 1-8
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