Upper Loft Meditation - Hebrews 12:1

“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.” - Hebrews 12:1

It was only a small bug, but its presence on her shoulder caused a nuclear reaction.  The decibel level, the jumping up and down with escalating speed, all this was a reaction calling for immediate removal of the small bug as far away as possible.  All other issues, cares, conversations were set aside.  Only one thing mattered - bug removal.

Our journey of faith is portrayed here as a race.  In running such a long race it is easy to become casual, comfortable, and contented.  We can become spiritual tourists focusing on the experiences of the moment, the roadside attractions, and forget we are in a race with a glorious finish line ahead.

There are three thoughts in this phrase that will help us focus in this race.

1. We all carry encumbrances with us on the journey.  These hindrances are to be identified and put out of the way.  An Olympic runner removes everything but the bare essentials to run the race.
2. These obstacles you carry with you may be good things.  The choice then is between what is better or what is the best.  What will most help me in the race and what slows me down?  No marathon runner carries a backpack with 20 of his favorite CDs, a large sandwich, 1/2 gallon of power drink, and the morning paper for his break time.  He is not in a race.  He is sightseeing!
3. If you are too busy for Bible study, prayer, or serving to bless others, than your business is an encumbrance.

The goal is to run free by the grace of God to bless others, to proclaim His goodness and to enjoy Him forever.

Palabras de Aliento - Hebreos 12

“Por tanto, también nosotros, que estamos rodeados de una multitud tan grande de testigos, despojémonos del lastre que nos estorba, en especial del pecado que nos asedia, y corramos con perseverancia la carrera que tenemos por delante.” - Hebreos 12:1

El reto en nuestro viaje de fe debe estar enfocado. Cada lugar al que volvemos a ver hay distracciones. Diversión. Entretenimiento. Ofertas atractivas. Una razón débil para quedarse en el sofá.

Hay un dicho, “Su cabeza está en las nubes.” Lo que significa es que esta persona no puede ver nada de lo que está pasando a su alrededor. Sus ideas son poco realistas y poco prácticas.

La imagen de la nube no se refiere a confusión e incertidumbre, sino es usado para animar, culpar y  dar esperanza en el medio de tus pruebas.

El autor de Hebreos da dirección de como encontrar enfoque. La exhortación comienza con el  “Por tanto” en el verso 1, el cual se refiere al capítulo anterior. Aquí se presenta un tour rápido del afamado corredor de fe que incluye a los que son famosos, Noé, Abraham, José, Moisés, Rajab y aquellos sin nombre. La impresión dada es la de un gran número de personas que tuvieron fe.

La nube de testigos comunica dos ideas aquí. primero, hay un gran número de persona que se han ido antes que tú que testifican con sus propias vidas sobre la fidelidad de Dios. Ningún viaje de fe es igual. Pero Dios permanece el mismo de ayer, hoy y siempre. “Estamos tan rodeados por esta densa multitud, que a donde sea que volvamos nuestros ojos encontramos muchos ejemplos de fe.” (John Calvin)

Segundo, hay una voz unificada que canta su testimonio. Cobren ánimo y ármense de valor,  todos los que en el Señor esperan. Salmo 31:24. Esta voz unificada no es de espectadores sino de testigos que hablan de su propia experiencia de la fidelidad de Dios.

Mientras ves a tu alrededor ¿Qué te dice hoy la nube de testigos?

Upper Loft Meditation - Hebrews 12

“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.” - Hebrews 12:1

The challenge is our journey of faith is to be focused.  Everywhere we turn there are distractions.  Amusement.  Entertainment. Attractive offers.  A feeble reason to stay on the couch.

There is a saying, “His head is in the clouds.”  What that means is that he can’t see anything that is happening around him.  His ideas are unrealistic and impractical.

The cloud image here does not refer to confusion and uncertainty, but it is used to encourage, convict, and call for hope in the midst of your trials.

The author of Hebrews gives us guidance on how to find our focus.  The exhortation begins with “Therefore” in verse 1, which refers to the previous chapter.  Here is laid out a quick tour of the faith hall of fame that includes those who are famous, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and Rehab and those who are nameless.  The impression given is of a great number who were faithful.

The cloud of witnesses conveys two ideas here.  First, there is a great number who have gone before you that testify by their very lives of God’s faithfulness.  No faith journey is the same.  But God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.  “We are so surrounded by this dense throng, that wherever we turn our eyes many examples of faith immediately meet us.” (John Calvin)

Secondly, there is a unified voice that sings out in their witness; “Be strong and take heart, all of you who hope in the LORD!” Psalm 31:24.  This unified voice is not of spectators but of witnesses who speak of their own experience of God’s faithfulness.

As you look around what does the cloud of witnesses say to you today?

Palabras de Aliento - Colosenses 1

“A éstos Dios se propuso dar a conocer cuál es la gloriosa riqueza de este misterio entre las naciones, que es Cristo en ustedes, la esperanza de gloria.” - Colosenses 1:27

Pablo está compartiendo con los creyentes de Colosia un secreto espectacular que Dios busca darlo a conocer. No tiene precio, “la gloriosa riqueza de este misterio.” Pablo exagera los superlativos; ya que esta es una verdad que va más allá de su mente. Es una verdad simple con profundas implicaciones. ¿Qué es? Cristo está en ti y su presencia es una confirmación de tu futura gloria.

“Parafraseándo al Dr. Ray Stedman, los cristianos que han descubierto la verdad de “Cristo en ti”, no meramente en un sentido intelectual sino en un sentido práctico que afecta sus vidas día a día, casi nunca están aburridos. Para ellos todo es emocionante. Aún las dificultades y pruebas son consideradas como aventuras y esperan ver como Dios las va a resolver. Sienten el riesgo. Talvez aún peligro, pero también sienten emoción y anticipación mientras esperan a Dios actuar.” (F.B. Meyer) Dios está trabajando en ti para ser una bendición a otros y manifestar su gloria para que todos alaben su nombre.

C.H. Spurgeon nos ayuda con una perspectiva correcta. “Parece una cosa extraña que un pecador no debería nunca tener algo que ver con la gloria cuando no merece más que deshonra. Nosotros no somos ni reyes ni principes, ¿Qué tenemos que ver con la gloria? Sin embargo, gloria debe ser nuestra residencia, gloria nuestra luz, gloria nuestra corona, gloria nuestra canción. El Señor no estará contento dándonos menos que gloria.”

Pídele a Dios que te dé un entendimiento rico de estas siete palabras de misterio.

Upper Loft Meditation - Colossians 1

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” - Colossians 1:27

Paul is sharing with the believers in Colossae a spectacular secret that God seeks to make known.  It is priceless, “the glorious riches of this mystery.”  Paul piles on the superlatives; for this is a truth that stretches his mind.  It is a simple truth with profound implications.  What is it?  Christ is in you and his presence is a confirmation of your future glory.

“To paraphrase Dr. Ray Stedman, Christians who have discovered the truth of “Christ in you”, not merely in an intellectual sense, but in a practical sense that affects their living day by day are seldom bored.  To them, everything is exciting.  Even difficulties and trials are regarded as adventures and they look forward to how the Lord will work them out.  They may feel a sense of risk.  Perhaps even danger, but they also have a sense of excitement and anticipation as they look for God to act.” (F.B. Meyer) God is at work in you to be a blessing to others and to manifest his glory that all may praise his name.

C.H. Spurgeon helps us with a right perspective.  “It seems a strange thing that a sinner should ever have anything to do with glory when he deserves nothing but shame.  We are neither kings nor princes, what have we to do with glory?  Yet glory is to be our dwelling, glory our light, glory our crown, glory our song.  The Lord will not be content to give us less than glory.”

Ask God to give you a rich understanding of these seven words of mystery.

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