PRAYER

As the deer longs for streams of water, so we long for You, O God. We thirst for You, the living God. We will put our hope in You and praise You again our Saviour and our God. Amen.

READING

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.³ Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

REFLECTION

The Scripture reading begins with "therefore". Using this word means, for that reason or consequently. It is important to read this section in context otherwise we miss the reason for the text. In Chapter 11 of Hebrews, the Apostle Paul gives a list of all the heroes of the Faith. He mentions Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, David, Samuel... and the list goes on. He says, by faith they trusted God and did great things. THEREFORE, since we are surrounded by such an awesome family of faithful believers, let us get rid of whatever is holding us back and run the race set before us! If they did it, we can do it!

Life is like a race and we are to run it as we are able. Sometimes we trip and fall, other times we catch a good pace and make progress. Paul says this race has a two step process. Throw off what is hindering you, then run. Some possible hindrances might be fear, pride, anger, etc. Next is to run. The Scripture doesn't say win the race or get the fastest time. The important part is that you are running, making progress, learning and developing resiliency when you fall. God is there to pick us up and guide us in our race. Imagine no one else on the track so that you are not tempted to compare your progress or lack of progress to others. Although we are one communion running together, our paths are not the same. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the champion of our faith so that you do not become weary. The prophet Isaiah wrote, "Even youth will become weak and tired, and young people will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:30-31)

Faith is a journey. Keep going!

LENT CHECK IN

Try to exercise today. Maybe go for a walk alone or as a family. Try Yoga, ride a bike, jog or do anything to get your heart rate up.