Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Today’s Reading  |  Hebrews 12:1–6, 12–14
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children—

“My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
or lose heart when you are punished by him;
for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves,
and chastises every child whom he accepts.”

. . . Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (NRSV)

Reflection
As we begin our Lenten journey, Jesus Christ is lifted up as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. As followers of Jesus, we are to keep our focus upon him in order to persevere in the face of hardships. Whenever we face difficulties, we are to remember that Jesus endured hostilities first. It’s more than simply “misery enjoys company.” We are to find our strength in knowing that “for the sake of the joy that was set before him he endured the cross.” We are to keep our eyes on the prize.

The prize is the same joy that was set before Christ. It is the joy that comes from remaining faithful to God. It is the joy of God’s loving and abiding presence with us, in this life and the next. It is the joy of knowing that ultimately love is victorious over hate and life is triumphant over death. What I find most encouraging in these verses is the image of being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Not only Jesus, but many other ancestors of faith have run the race before us and now invest hope in our faithfulness. Imagine the cloud of witnesses as sitting in a stadium cheering us on as we take our turn around the track. They shout, “Lift your drooping hands! Strengthen your weak knees. Straighten the path so you don’t sprain your ankle.” Jesus did it. So did we. You can do it.

Prayer
My Lord, I’m your child. Guide my feet while I run this race. Hold my hand while I run this race. Stand by me while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain. Amen.

(Prayer adapted from the African American spiritual “Guide My Feet”)

Reflection written by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor for Mission

Reflection © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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