Birds and Breezes, Saints and the Spirit
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Friends,
I watched a bird fly today. I’m not bragging. It wasn’t a Bald Eagle, hawk or some other exciting bird of prey. It was a buzzard. Perhaps, the least esteemed of all birds. It is a scavenger, and even its name sounds like it could be used as a curse. But I watched one fly today, and for a moment I forgot how hot it was, I forgot all the work I still needed to do, and I didn’t worry about tomorrow. I just watched. I don’t think it flapped its wings once. It simply spread wide its wings and floated on the wind.
The beginning of the 12th chapter of Hebrews is one of my favorite passages. It’s effect on me is similar to seeing that bird playing in the breeze. I don’t know how things are going in your walk as a disciple, but the writer of Hebrews invites us to look ahead to Jesus who has made the way. The author and perfecter- I love that. The one who wrote the script is the same as the one who heals and fixes us when we fall or forget our lines. Those who have gone before us cheer us on. Can you hear them?
The prophet Isaiah says it this way:
Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
-Isaiah 40:30-31
Whatever weight, tragedy or sin we are carrying, there is grace sufficient for our need and the journey. When we get tired or worn down, we look to Jesus, hearing the saints cheer us on, and find ourselves carried by the spirit of God.
Peace,
Ben