Jesus is the Example
Individuals who strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ may be experiencing sadness and longing for a world that embodies Christian love. Those experiences may be in short supply at the moment. However, there is encouragement in Hebrews 12:1-3.
The words of Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) advise believers to “throw off hindrances” and to continue to run the race that God lays out.
Just as the writer of Hebrews was talking to the earlier Christians about staying focused on Jesus, I am telling you the same thing today. Stay focused on Jesus even though there are challenging times now and difficult times to come. We have not been told to stop working or to stop planning good works for the Kingdom of God.
We can draw strength from those Christians who were being encouraged in Hebrews 12. Christians were encouraged to focus on Jesus and hold on for a little while. Other Jews and the Romans pressured Jewish Christians.
They endured pressure to conform to the religion of the day. They lost their Jewish privileges. The Romans imprisoned them. They were thrown into prison and denied bail while waiting for a hearing. They were told to deny this Jesus, who was longsuffering, kind and who loved all people regardless of culture or lifestyle. They were beaten and suffered verbal abuse. The pressure was so intense that there was a danger of them returning to their former life and leaving Christianity behind.
Those who could not see the value of Christianity opposed them at every turn, just for living by the principles of Christianity.
Here we are today, September 2025, and kindness is seen as weakness. The truth is hard to find. I think Proverbs 21:2 says it so much better: ”A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.”
Hate is a disease that grows from a small seed and spreads faster than the rational thoughts of individuals of goodwill. Truth, fair play and fairness have left the room. Yet, I am reminded that God is still the Great I Am, and He has not abdicated His throne. God is still Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord Who Provides. I do not know how he will prevail in his righteousness for those “who are called by His name,” who do not surrender and return to the former things, but he will do it.
As we wait for the righteousness of the Lord and not on religious expressions, I encourage you to strengthen your foundation of faith. Engage in habits and routines that sustain you (a prayer life, a study life, a worship life). Make sure you are connected to other believers and do not follow after conversation because it sounds good.
I John 4:1(NIV) says, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Let us be encouraged by Hebrews 12:1-3 and walk with Jehovah Shalom: The Lord of Our Peace.
St. James AME Church is located at 360 Dorothy St. in Charleston and worship service is held on the first and third Sunday of each month at 11 a.m. You may also join us on Zoom at pastorv.com.
