STRETCH EVERY NERVE!

STRETCH EVERY NERVE!

Heb 12:1-2

12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

           Our life is on display! The great host of spectators is a reference to those heroes in chapter eleven. They view our preparation or lack thereof. Their silent cheering would spur us on if we could but hear it. They would tell us that God had never failed them and would not fail us now.

           We are to run with patience [di’ humpmones] “in persevering endurance”. Life is a marathon and not a sprint. They pace themselves who hope to finish. Nearing home we stretch every nerve.

Awake, My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve

Words: Philip Doddridge

Music: "Christmas" by George F. Handel

Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve,

And press with vigor on;

A heavenly race demands thy zeal,

And an immortal crown,

And an immortal crown.

A cloud of witnesses around

Hold thee in full survey;

Forget the steps already trod,

And onward urge thy way,

And onward urge thy way.

'Tis God's all animating voice

That calls thee from on high;

'Tis His own hand presents the prize

To thine aspiring eye.

Then wake, my soul, stretch every nerve,

And press with vigor on,

A heavenly race demands thy zeal,

And an immortal crown.

Dear Lord, let me run my race fully awake and focused on you today. AMEN