Daily Scripture: Hebrews 11:39 All of these had their merit attested because of their trusting. Nevertheless, they did not receive what had been promised, 40 because God had planned something better that would involve us, so that only with us would they be brought to the goal.
12:1 So then, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us, too, put aside every impediment — that is, the sin which easily hampers our forward movement — and keep running with endurance in the contest set before us, 2 looking away to the Initiator and Completer of that trusting,[Hebrews 12:2 Habakkuk 2:4] Yeshua — who, in exchange for obtaining the joy set before him, endured execution on a stake as a criminal, scorning the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.[Hebrews 12:2 Psalm 110:1 ] 18 For you have not come to a tangible mountain, to an ignited fire, to darkness, to murk, to a whirlwind, 19 to the sound of a shofar, and to a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further message be given to them — 20 for they couldn’t bear what was being commanded them, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it is to be stoned to death”;[Hebrews 12:20 Exodus 19:12–13] 21 and so terrifying was the sight that Moshe said, “I am quaking with dread.”[Hebrews 12:21 Deuteronomy 9:19]
22 On the contrary, you have come to Mount Tziyon, that is, the city of the living God, heavenly Yerushalayim; to myriads of angels in festive assembly; 23 to a community of the firstborn whose names have been recorded in heaven; to a Judge who is God of everyone; to spirits of righteous people who have been brought to the goal; 24 to the mediator of a new covenant, Yeshua; and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better things than that of Hevel.
Refletion Questions:
“The communion of saints” unites us with Christ’s followers today—but it does much more than that. Hebrews spoke to Christians who were facing persecution, and wondering if it was worth holding to their faith in Jesus. The writer was convinced that the believers were a part of something truly awesome—a cosmic reality that reached beyond time and space, and was worth any price it took. In following Jesus, we become part of an eternal fellowship of those who love and serve God.
- Write or print where you’ll see it when you prepare for worship: “You have drawn near to…countless angels in a festival gathering…to God the judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous who have been made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.” When has your worship, either personal or in company with others, led you to a deeper inner sense of awe at the power of God’s self-giving love? How can you live more mindfully of the members of the “great cloud of witnesses” who surround you on your spiritual journey?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, you know I say “I love ice cream” or “I love my awesome car.” Grow in me the capacity to love you and your people, and let everything else flow from that. Teach me how to live in the unforced rhythms of your grace. Amen.
Family Activity:
How does your family approach going to church each week? Are you excited, happy and joyful? Do you complain about the weather and the walk from the parking lot? Are you struggling to get dressed and out the door on time? Is your home filled with words of encouragement, or hollering and hurried words? To help you remember you are going to God’s house for worship, consider playing some praise music as you prepare. Maybe you could say a prayer for a soft heart and positive spirit the afternoon or evening before you go. Read a story from the Bible to help center your mind on God. Nothing works perfectly in family life, but choose one way to try this week to help all of you appreciate a more fulfilling experience in God’s house!
Insights from Brent Messick
Brent Messick is Resurrection’s Managing Executive Director of Operations.
There is a line in the movie “Gladiator,” when Maximus has died and his friend, Juba, says “I will see you again…but not yet.” That’s how I feel about dying. I look forward to what awaits me in heaven, but not yet. There is still much to experience in this lifetime.
I have been blessed to witness the weddings of my son and daughter. Our son and daughter-in-law have blessed us with three grandchildren. We hope that our daughter and son-in-law will also bless us with grandchildren. I love my family and want to be a part of their lives as they grow up.
I love working at the church until the time when I retire. Then, I want to volunteer in some capacity to help the church and the community. I also want to play more golf and do more traveling.
I have a lot to look forward to in this next stage of my life. Selfishly, I think about how I would miss out on all these things and more in life.
But when I read these Scripture verses, I am reminded of the joy, of the love, and of the community that waits for us in heaven. Verse 12:1 tells us that we are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses. 12:22 says that we will come to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. 12:23 states that we will come to God himself. And 12:24 says that we will come to Jesus.
Wow, talk about a homecoming!! It gives me great peace and comfort knowing that there will be no more pain and sorrow in heaven, and that I will be welcomed by Jesus and all of my family, friends, and people who have gone before me.
Yes, I think about how much I would miss my family and friends. But the good news is that I will see them again in heaven…but not yet.
Download the GPS App
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
There is a line in the movie “Gladiator,” when Maximus has died and his friend, Juba, says “I will see you again…but not yet.” That’s how I feel about dying. I look forward to what awaits me in heaven, but not yet. There is still much to experience in this lifetime.
I have been blessed to witness the weddings of my son and daughter. Our son and daughter-in-law have blessed us with three grandchildren. We hope that our daughter and son-in-law will also bless us with grandchildren. I love my family and want to be a part of their lives as they grow up.
I love working at the church until the time when I retire. Then, I want to volunteer in some capacity to help the church and the community. I also want to play more golf and do more traveling.
I have a lot to look forward to in this next stage of my life. Selfishly, I think about how I would miss out on all these things and more in life.
But when I read these Scripture verses, I am reminded of the joy, of the love, and of the community that waits for us in heaven. Verse 12:1 tells us that we are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses. 12:22 says that we will come to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. 12:23 states that we will come to God himself. And 12:24 says that we will come to Jesus.
Wow, talk about a homecoming!! It gives me great peace and comfort knowing that there will be no more pain and sorrow in heaven, and that I will be welcomed by Jesus and all of my family, friends, and people who have gone before me.
Yes, I think about how much I would miss my family and friends. But the good news is that I will see them again in heaven…but not yet.
Download the GPS AppThe United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224 United States
No comments:
Post a Comment