Dear Church Family, an update for the week of August 15, 2010 …
Thank you to Pastor Brian Tekawa for the message from Hebrews 12:1-2, “The Great Race”. There are many examples of those in sports who persevere to the finish line, often times pushing themselves beyond their own capabilities. The life of the Christian has been compared to running a great race, a spiritual race. What is it that motivates us to endure the race?
1Therefore, 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, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NASB)
In this passage the Christ-follower is encouraged to endure the race because of the cloud of witnesses (v.1) and the joy (v.2) set before you by fixing your eyes upon Jesus. When you seek to accomplish anything, like running a race, you focus on the finish. You will train hard, discipline yourself to be consistent, and run to get in shape. The Christian life is much the same, it is like a marathon. It is not a short quick burst of energy it is a lifelong journey. It can be tough going at times. The writer of Hebrews knew from observing Greek athletes in training, the toll it took on the athlete’s body. While training and competing, everything else is a distraction. The focus is on the prize and finishing. Forget the crowd’s cheers or jeers. Focus on the basket, the goal, the finish line, the win. If you lose that focus you are likely to lose your concentration. For the Christ-follower we need to be so focused upon the desires of Jesus, nothing else matters. Jesus is our prize, and winners keep their eyes on Him.
We see from scripture that you should endure the race because of the “great cloud of witnesses” surrounding us and “the joy” set before us. Therefore is a key word. To understand what is about to follow we need to reference what was said previous. To find out who are “the cloud of witnesses”, we need to read Hebrews 11.
1. Because of the WITNESSES – (v.1) We endure the faith because of those who have inspired us by their faith. Maybe it was your parents or your siblings, close friends, church members, etc. Hebrews 11 known as the “faith chapter” lists “The great cloud of witnesses”. Men and women of faith who God saw fit to be our examples and witnesses. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. This group of people were amazingly faithful. They are not just Bible characters, they are also our witnesses. They believed God 100%, they lived their whole lives for Him, committing their resources, and reputation to God regardless of the cost. Many even died for their faith. But what is even more inspiring is that, “All these gained approval through their faith but; “Did not receive what was promised” Hebrews 11:39 They remained faithful even though they did not see the end result of their faith. Besides these outstanding examples of faith, maybe you can recall those who have been great examples for you because of their faith. It could be someone from the past or even the present. Someone who encouraged you through the way they lived or are living for Christ. Those people are your “great cloud of witnesses” besides the ones mentioned in Hebrews 11.
2. Because of the JOY – (v.2) Jesus, our example; for the joy set before Him, endured the cross. Jesus knew the end result of His life on earth was to do the will of the Father. There was no greater joy for Jesus than to do His Father’s will, which was to provide a way for all mankind to return to God. Now, Jesus is our Joy. Who else would die for you even if you ignored Him? Who else would love you completely, good, bad, and ugly? What greater joy can there be than to know God loves you so much that He sent His Only Son, Jesus, to make a way to heaven? Forgetting or not understanding how wonderful and awesome God is, His love, His forgiveness, and His holiness, is where many fall short. Even Christ-followers miss God. Keeping your eye on Jesus, the prize, will keep you in good spiritual shape. Many don’t endure the race because they lose the focus on the prize set before them. They don’t endure the race because they don’t keep their eye on the prize, Jesus. I believe if the Christ-follower would make the pursuit of Jesus their goal in life, they would not only endure the “Great Race” but also experience the JOY of the race. Those who leave the faith often fix their eyes on family, work, church, relationships, or any other person or thing, rather than Jesus. When you fix your eyes on Jesus and sincerely search out who He is and what He has done, you will not walk away from the greatest news in the world. The good news of Jesus. Jesus knew the JOY set before Him and did not waver. This joy enabled Jesus to endure the cross.
Jesus is our joy set before us. We have two strong motivations to endure the race, the “great cloud of witnesses” and the “joy of Jesus.” As a Christ-follower our goal never changes. In fact the more you pursue Jesus the stronger you get regardless of age or physical ability. We will never fully know Jesus in this life but it should not prevent us from pursuing Him and enduring the race.
Enduring the race can be more difficult for some than others. As I think about Christ-followers in other parts of the world I realize how fortunate we are in America. For instance, Christ-followers in Japan have many challenges. One of which is the fact that 99% of the people don’t know Jesus, many Japanese have not even heard His name. Today we are privileged to hear from a few from our church who recently came back from spending a few weeks in Chiba, Japan. Establishing friendships and encouraging existing missionaries who have dedicated themselves to living among the Japanese for the chance to introduce Jesus to others.
Mike Rodriquez (team leader): It has been 5 years since the inception of the vision of sending missions teams from FACC, and in conjunction with SLZJCC, there have been 4 teams sent so far. It is encouraging to see how God is making this connection possible with the churches and missionaries living and working in the Ichinomiya area where Pastor Sunao Shimada previously served before coming to the SLZJCC Nichigo department. Most of all it is not our work, but HIS work.
Joanne Yata: It was a touching experience to feel the answers to prayers as she was able to connect with people, particularly an elementary age special needs student, and sharing the love of people met, beyond any language barrier.
Dennis Yata: So thankful for being sent, even though not fully knowing how God would use him, but connecting with a 6 year old boy at the orphanage was a moving experience that will not be forgotten, meeting a couple at English Café, who are making plans to come to the US to visit, deepening the connection and opportunities to share the love of Christ.
Hajime Kanzaki: Mainly experienced the working of the Holy Spirit (Luke10:2) when in a situation where translation was needed, team member, Jayne, was prompted to join the conversation and provided translation at just the right time. Another time, when doing a pottery demonstration, Mike stepped in, prompted by the Holy Spirit to use the illustration of the pottery to share his testimony, not as planned, but making the most of the opportunity. Many were moved to hear about God in his life.
Jeremy Fong: Expressed his thanks for being sent as he enjoyed making friends, eating good food, and most of all appreciated all the smiles.
Jayne Fong: Deeply moved by the opportunity to meet the people and the missionaries of Ichinomiya and to develop relationships with them. At their Mishima homestay, the sole Christian in the household was able to witness through prayer to her own family because of the Fong’s being in their home. Hopefully they too, will be able to come to visit in the U.S.
Todd Fong: Through a multi-media DVD presentation, shared some of the sights, events, and people the team was able to interact with, to show how God used the Chiba 2010 team to accomplish His mission.
Pastor Brian concluded his message by asking the question, “Why should I endure the race?”
Because of the great cloud of witnesses and the joy set before you. Will you quit or endure the race?
Have a blessed week with your eyes fixed upon Jesus,
Stan, for SLZJCC