The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts will be Hebrews 12:3. It is here where the Hebrew author was inspired to give us some tremendous words of exhortation and encouragement as he writes of Christ. "For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow wearing and lose heart." Oh, what a wonderful savior we have! Will you consider Him today? And will you consider Him all your tomorrows?
Earlier in this chapter we saw the Christian life described as a race that we are called to run with endurance. In other passages of scripture we see our life in Christ described as a fight, a battle, a war. We are involved in Christian service and find ourselves in the face of much opposition. In 2 Corinthians 7:5 we see Paul giving some descriptive words regarding such matters. "For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within." And in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul wrote the following in regards to his life in Christian service. "Are they servants of Christ?--I speak as if insane--I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches."
Some may teach that weariness or losing heart comes only from getting our eyes off of Christ or by trying to accomplish His will in the energy of the flesh. Although this can be true, I would suggest that it is not always so. Useful service for the Master, or running the race set before us, can be difficult and trying. Although I made reference to some of Paul's words above, we could find countless examples of brothers and sisters in Christ who have labored long in following Christ amidst trying circumstances. Loss of heart and weariness are realities that face those who desire the high calling of being bond-servants of Christ.
Praise God that He has provided a remedy, or perhaps even a preventative measure for growing weary or losing heart. We are to consider Jesus. Have you grown weary in service for Christ? Consider Him. Have you lost heart in serving Christ? Consider Him. Webster's provides the following definitions for the word "consider". To think about carefully. We need to do that of Jesus. To regard or treat in an attentive or kindly way. We ought to do so of Jesus. To gaze on steadily or reflectively. Oh, how we need to do so of Jesus! Let us each one consider Jesus. He is worthy of our consideration!
We have new life in Christ. We have abundant life from Him. But He has called us to be servants. We will find great joy in serving Him in a multitude of varying ministries. You may be poured out and used up as you fight the good fight of faith and look to finish your course. If you find that you are growing weary in Christian service, take time to consider Jesus today. He is our strength. If you find yourself losing heart, do not put if off but consider Him now. Doing so will encourage your heart. Get into His word and read about Him. Think carefully about Him. Regard Him in an attentive and kindly way. Steadily gaze upon and reflect upon Him. This is God's gracious provision for us to not grow weary and lose heart. May we heed His invitation to consider Jesus.
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