July 30, 2020
Morning Devotion
| Preacher Rick | x |
| Thomason, Ricky L <rthomaso@utk.edu> | Thu, Jul 30, 9:02 AM |  | |
| to Alicia, Amanda, Amber, Amber, Amy, Beverly, Blake, Bob, Chanda, Chris, David, Diane, Dianne, Edward, Ethel, Evan, Faron, Travis, Hugh, Jennifer, John, Johnny, Jonathan, Jonathan, Josh, Julian, Kevin, Laura, Lee, Lori, Mary, Ora, Ray, Recruitu24@yahoo.com, Richard, Samuele, Tammie, Tammy, Teresa, wilson_kim24@yahoo.com, youncer_3@yahoo.com, Yvonne |
Brothers and Sisters,
(Hebrews 12:3) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Would you describe yourself as being weary? If so, it is understandable with all that we are being called upon to endure with this pandemic affecting more of our friends and loved ones every day.
During some of the most trying times in life we find ourselves becoming wearied and faint in our minds. Some just feel like throwing in the towel and giving up on life. Suicide rates are exploding. Many families are struggling over the decision on whether or not to send their children back to school next week. Teachers and school staff are doing their best to come up with a plan to keep everyone as safe as possible. We are all concerned over the health and safety of our loved ones especially those in our nursing homes or those with underlying health conditions. Do we wear a mask or not? What is the right thing to do? Some have dismissed this virus as just a hoax while others are hunkered down and afraid to get out and do any of their normal activities.
As you can see, this pandemic has been tough on us all and to top that off we are hearing of all the violence and chaos going on in the streets of our major cities around the country. It’s no wonder that people are getting weary when all we see and are hearing is bad news.
Is there an answer to all this weariness? If you take time this morning to look at our text verse out of Hebrews, you will see the answer. “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds”.
The only way to prevent becoming weary and faint in our minds is to consider what Christ endured in order for us to receive everlasting life. The verse just prior to v. 3 says this, (Hebrews 12:2) 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.
Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before him. His greatest joy comes when a lost sinner comes to him in repentance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit calling upon the Lord for salvation. When the sinner comes to Christ in this manner, the Bible says that He will in no wise cast him out. (John 6:37) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Like Bro. Ray said in the message last evening, we believe in a “whosoever” gospel. Salvation is available to “whosoever will”. (Revelation 22:17) And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
So, the challenge for today is for each of us to take our eyes off of the world situation and put our focus on Jesus and consider all that He endured at the hands of sinners in order for us to enjoy the blessing of salvation, lest we be wearied and faint in our minds.
(Isaiah 26:3) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Bro. Rick
