looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…. Heb. 12:2-4
I experienced lots of challenges during my postgraduate research studies. The task of publishing academic journals, research, and preparing my Ph.D. research thesis was quite enormous for me. The source of my strength and encouragement was the focus of an exciting future and elevation that the postgraduate degree would bring to my career as a young scientist. Brethren, my experience could never be compared to the great and wonderful salvation that we enjoy today. Our Lord Jesus Christ focused on the joy and hope of the world in bringing salvation. He endured the cross despising its shame. He was God in man despised by sinners, taken through different trials for our sake (Is 53:5, Ro 5:7,8). Therefore, according to Hebrews 12:1-4, we are encouraged to take three key steps to follow His examples.
Firstly, we must lay aside our weights and sins. These weights are the constant challenges that we experience in our lives, from family, work or studies, society, illness, etc.. These weights also draw us to different temptations to walk contrary to the will of the Father. The Apostle Paul encourages us to lay them aside unto the Lord.
Secondly, let us run the race with endurance. As long as we live in this world, pressures surround us, but we must continue.
Thirdly, our primary focus must be Jesus Christ and the example that he laid on the cross. Paul explains that that Christ is the founder and perfecter of our faith.
Because He endured all this suffering and is now at the right hand of the Father, therefore, brethren, the main focus in our walk with Him is to attain to be with Him in heaven (John 14:1-4). As we prepare for Easter, I pray the Lord will give us the grace to focus on the reward.
–BO