...and the sin...

Does it happen to you? You’re reading a well know Bible passage…and those very familiar words capture your attention. I believe that is God’s Holy Spirit directing us…leading us…taking us deeper into the Word…applying it to our lives….

The writer of Hebrews penned,

[blockquote author=”Hebrews 12:1-2a NASB” link=”” target=”_blank”]Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith….[/blockquote]

There is that phrase, “…the sin which so easily entangles us….” Is there a sin which comes to mind for you? There is for me. It is the one that easily snags me. Pulls me down. Diverts me from the race. Keeps me from being all God wants me to be. I hate that sin.

We don’t know for certain who wrote the book of Hebrews. It may have been the Apostle Paul. Or Luke. Or several other candidates. Whomever it was very likely had a specific sin in mind. A sin that easily entangled them in their spiritual race.

And the writer says to simply lay aside that sin. Wait a minute. That isn’t so simple. I’ve already admitted that it easily entangles me. That sin. That encumbrance. That stain. Just set it aside?

If Paul was the writer, we know that he was a very disciplined Christ-follower. And he encourages us to pattern our lives after his, even as he tries to follow the example of Christ.

So, is it discipline that allows us to set aside that sin? Discipline alone? That is one of the keys. We must take action, use our will, and set aside that sin. But since that sin easily snags us, we need more than just will power to overcome it. I believe the main element to defeating that sin is in the first part of Hebrews 12:2.

[blockquote author=”” link=”” target=”_blank”]…keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….[/blockquote]

Other translations tell us to look unto Jesus, or fix our eyes on Jesus. Not just glancing at Jesus…but giving Him our full attention. Look at Him and keep looking at Him.

That sin…yes THAT sin…will always be there. Satan is persistent and knows our weaknesses. But Jesus will also always be there, and with His presence and power, and our discipline and will, we can set aside THAT sin…the one that easily entangles us…and run the race that is set before us.

Which will it be today? Entangled in THAT sin? Or running the race with endurance…looking to Jesus? That is worthy of our prayer right now.