THIS IS NOT A DRILL

 

Saturday, January 15, 2022

 

THIS IS NOT A DRILL

Heb 12:1-2

12 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.

 

          Sports enthusiasts know that contenders will practice with extra weight and then abandon those weights during the competition. In fact, from the early 8th century BC, Olympic athletes competed in the nude. Our text compares the Christian life with the Olympic games and the weights mentioned are anything that impedes our progress.

 

          Battle hardened veterans have probably heard a sergeant say, “weapons and ammo only, people!” Heavy packs were dropped because this was not a drill, and nothing was taken that would slow them down.

 

          Consider the spectators. This is an illustrative comment that may refer to those contenders that have gone before. Adam Clarke, in antiquated language, says: “Contenders, were often greatly animated by the consideration that the eyes of the principal men of their country were fixed upon them; and by this they were induced to make the most extraordinary exertions.” Simply put, all of heaven is cheering us on!

 

          The besetting sin is, according to Clarke, “The well circumstanced sin; that which has everything in its favor, time, and place, and opportunity; the heart and the object; and a sin in which all these things frequently occur, and consequently the transgression is frequently committed.” More simply put, it is the sin which we enjoy sinning and the one we have the more difficulty in putting aside.  But this is not a drill. The days are evil, and we have a very short sprint to run.

 

Heb 10:36-37

36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

 

Dear Lord, let me endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. AMEN