“Keeping our focus”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Thursday, February 1, 2024
Hebrews 11:32 – 12:2 (Forward, p. 3) CEV p. 1268
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews speaks of something that all accomplished athletes know all too well. They cannot concentrate on the cheering crowds or spectators even for a moment, lest they lose that essential focus on the game or race. The finish line, in the case of a race, or the score board or intended results, as in a game or competition, must be the sole thing that occupies their minds. Even the other competitors must take second place to that important goal.
That is what we are told in today’s passage. Our focus must be on Jesus, we must keep our eyes on Him and, as with a race, on our finish line. We must subdue everything that slows us down, and not just sin, but any habit or activity that is not conducive to doing well in this race. That latter thing is something well worth thinking about, as there may well be things in our lives that slow us down or impede us, and while not sin in themselves, aren’t exactly the most helpful things. (This is something well worth considering as we approach Lent.)
And here the author of this letter throws in another wrinkle. We must not run our race, that is, live out our lives, with an eye to how we are coming across to others, to others whether past or present. They are indeed bystanders, spectators, but we cannot worry about them or focus on them. We must not be thinking about what they think about our performance or actions but must solely focus on ‘the race’ and on the finish line where Jesus awaits. Indeed, our focus needs to be on Him, and how we can please Him. That is where our focus must be.
Forward notes: “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 perfector of faith” (chapter 12 verses 1-2a).
“This passage reminds me of living in South Sudan. In my time there, and through my husband’s ongoing work, I got to know the women in South Sudan and then the refugees in Northern Uganda who are South
Sudanese. These women spent decades caught in wars, and they would tell stories of battles happening around them, fleeting with their children to seek protection, and searching for food and shelter.
“Despite all this, these women found hope in their faith during their days of strife. They knew that Jesus and Mary were watching over them, walking with them. This faith still drives them today.
“In my faith journey, I have gone from questioning God about allowing these atrocities to happen, to living in solidarity with the women, to living into moments of joy and happiness with them. They are my friends and family. And they are part of the great cloud of witnesses, on earth and in heaven.”
Moving Forward: “Give thanks for those who are in your cloud of witnesses”.