fcchb junior high: May 2008

Hebrews 12: 1-3
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Today’s devotion is simply a matter of reflection. Our challenge to you is to recognize not only the deed done for you by Christ, but also to recognize that you are not alone in this society as Christians. Verse 1 states that because we are not alone we must have the confidence to not be concerned with people, TV shows, videogames, internet websites, and music when it is these very things that may harm our relationship with God. Instead, be confident in your faith, and hold strong to the waves of sin that may crash against you in the future. The race in verse 2 reflects our race for God. It reflects our strive and desire to reach God and be Christ-like in all that we do. Keep in mind throughout your day that this race is not a sprint, but a marathon. Our goal is to continue the race, not to run until we cannot go on, but to continue until it is over. Jesus took the cross, a symbol that in His time represented death and torment, and He turned it into a symbol that we now look to for comfort. He defeated the cross, He defeated death, and He endured the torture so that we might benefit and have the chance to be with Him forever. So be confident in your faith. Be confident that no matter what your circumstance may be, you have the power to defeat sin because no matter how you feel God will be right there watching over you and protecting you.

-luke patrick
junior high leader