Jessica Albritton, Family Connections Minister, LHBC
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
I received news of a friend and prominent youth pastor, Wade Morris’, death the other day. Wade was very well known in student ministry circles due to his travel, speaking, and publications pointing people to Jesus. Wade traveled 200 days out of the year speaking at a number of conferences, camps, retreats, and revivals. But despite Wade’s popularity what struck me most about him was his heart for the gospel. He was down to earth and had a sense of humor that could break down the highest of walls. When he preached he did so barefoot but he didn’t make a big deal about it. “It’s holy ground” he would say. Wade preached the gospel as clearly as I have ever heard and many will spend an eternity with Jesus because of his faithful witness. Once in a sermon he said, “It doesn’t matter how fast you’re going, if you are going in the wrong direction.” If I could sum up Wade’s life in a sentence it would be going in the right direction following Jesus Christ till the very end.
In the wake of Wade’s death I began to reflect on my own life. I began to wonder what others might say of me and how I might be remembered on this side of heaven when I go on to be with Christ. This brought me to the book of Hebrews chapter 12. In this chapter the author references a great cloud of witnesses surrounding believers. These witnesses are forementioned as the faithful men and women of God who had gone on before. These individuals were not remembered for what they did in their own strength, they are not remembered for their accomplishments or great wealth, but instead by their faith. And what a legacy they left… a legacy of faith in a God worthy of worship.
When we reflect much ON Jesus and His gospel we will reflect much OF Jesus and His gospel. The primary goal should be to make much of Him, not to be remembered for who we are but rather whose we are.
When you go on to be with Jesus in heaven what will you be remembered for? Will you be remembered for the wealth, fame and fortune you acquired on earth or will you be remembered as someone who pointed others to Jesus? 2 Timothy 2:2 states, “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Ask the Lord today who you might share that good news of the gospel with.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see opportunities to share my faith with others around me. Lord, may I live a life that is reflective of You and not of me. May I live each day with the intent to point others to you and may it be said of me that I lived a life in the right direction following Jesus to the very end. In Jesus name, amen!
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Galatians 3:13- Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”