The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore, 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,
2 fixing 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.”

“Do those who are in Heaven see us and what we do here on Earth?” That’s a good question, one I simply cannot answer. Paul may have had Heavenly people in mind when he wrote the words in our verses above. More than likely, however, he was referencing the earthly activities and attitudes of those mentioned in the previous chapter.

Running in any race, however, is always encouraging when there are those in the stands who are watching and cheering us on. It just might be to our advantage to think of friends in Heaven as viewing us. Greater still, it’s to our advantage if we remember that the LORD sees us, whether anyone else does or not.

Paul also encourages us to lay aside things that would hinder our running the race. Runners know that the cheers of the crowd are still exceeded by their own good mental attitude. If we know of sin in our life, we do well to confess it because we’re always in the race!

Paul says, “Fix your eyes on Jesus!” Divest yourselves of worldly desires. Jesus will perfect our faith and give us joy, just as He did when He went to the cross. He endured the agony of the cross by fixing His mind on sitting beside His Heavenly Father. At the same time, He established that very thing as an example for us. Die to self; sit with God! Live in faith! Know the joy!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom