LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT

LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT

 One of the first Bible verses I committed to memory, as well as the text for my initial sermon on August 20, 1967, is recorded in Hebrews 12:1-2.  “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.  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.”

 The Apostle Paul made frequent references to running as a metaphor for the Christian journey.  Olympic runners train with weights to experience resistance during workouts, to achieve relative lightness and increased speed during competitions.  It reminds me of an interesting story:

 One of my teachers asked us to bring in clear plastic bags and sacks of potatoes.  For every person we refused to forgive in our lives, we were told to choose a potato, write on it the name and date, and put it in the plastic bag.  Some of our bags, as you might imagine, became quite heavy.

 We were then told to carry this bag with us everywhere for one week, putting it beside our bed at night, on the car seat when driving, next to our desk at work, etc.  The hassle of lugging this cumbersome bag around with us made it clear what a weight we were carrying spiritually. 

 There’s a crucial lesson in that classroom assignment, don’t you think?  My friend, are you bound and burdened by heavy bags of unforgiveness?  If so, confess your condition to God. Then, strive to become reconciled with anyone who is the object of ill will or hurt feelings.  In the process, you will feel so much lighter…and you will be set free.

 In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)  Never forget that the forgiveness we receive from God is actually identical to whatever we mete out to others.  This is one of the key Kingdom principles taught by Jesus in The Lord’s Prayer.  “Forgive us our debts, AS we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)

 My friend, your journey is far too lengthy and challenging to carry the cumbersome weight of unforgiveness.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!