Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament epistle written unto the Hebrews. More specifically today’s passage is found in chapters three and four of this New Testament book. “Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end” (Hebrews 3:1-6).

 

            “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness, where your fathers tested me, tried me, and saw my works forty years. Therefore I was angry with that generation, and said, They always go astray in their heart, and they have not known my ways. So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter my rest. Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; b it exhort one another daily, while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said: Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion” (Hebrews 3:7-15).

 

            “For, who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:16-19).

 

            “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, lest us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: So I swore in my wrath, they shall not enter my rest, although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: And God rested on the seventh day from all His works; and again in this place: They shall not enter my rest. Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached, did not enter because of disobedience, against He designates a certain day, saying in David, Today, after such a long time, as it has been said: Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts. For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterwards have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His” (Hebrews 4:1-10).

 

            “Let is therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the yes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:11-13).

            “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, lest us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grad to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

 

            When you come to the third and fourth chapters of the epistle written unto the Hebrews you will find the author shifting gears and transitioning to a subject and concept that for many is entirely and altogether foreign. If you take the time to read the words which are found in this passage you will find the author of this epistle continues to write concerning the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father. What’s more is not only do you find the author continuing to write concerning the Son but you will find the author writing and speaking of the Son’s faithfulness and obedience in the sight of the Father. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words which are presented within this epistle it is the author’s attempt and very clear purpose in presenting the Son as being faithful in the sight and presence of the living and eternal God. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of when reading this epistle for that which stands at the foundation of Christ as the Son being so much better and so much greater is and was His obedience to the Father. You cannot read the words which are found in this epistle and not encounter and come face to face with the incredible reality and beauty of the Son’s obedience to the Father which was in heaven. There is something truly captivating and astonishing when reading the epistle unto the Hebrews and recognizing the Son’s obedience to the heart, to the will and to the plan and purpose of the Father. It is absolutely impossible to read this epistle and not encounter the absolutely incredible reality of the Son’s faithfulness in the sight of the Father and how the Son laid aside the glory He had with the Father that He might take up obedience, that He might take up humility and that He might take up faithfulness. Permit me at the very beginning of this writing to ask you what you are willing to lay aside and what you are willing to give up for the sake of walking in and taking up obedience, faithfulness and humility in the sight of the living.

 

            I sit here today thinking about the words which are found within the epistle written unto the Hebrews and I am brought face to face with the tremendous truth surrounding the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father. This eternal Son of the Father laid aside and set apart the glory He had with the Father from the beginning that He might take upon Himself the form of human flesh and the seed of Abraham. The sole purpose for laying aside the glory He had with the Father and taking upon Himself the seed of Abraham is that He might take upon Himself obedience, faithfulness and humility in the sight of the Father which sits upon the throne. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father setting aside the glory He had with the Father that He might take upon Himself the form of human flesh—and not only take upon Himself the form of human flesh but also the seed of Abraham. The only way for the Son to accomplish and fulfill that which the eternal Father desired and purposed was for Him to take upon Himself the form of human flesh and to give Himself [for a season] to being the Word which was made flesh and dwelt among us. This is precisely what the author of the epistle written unto the Hebrews sought to convey in the opening two chapters of this epistle as they sought to show us how the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father took upon Himself the form of a servant that he might walk in full and complete obedience in the sight of the Father in heaven. This is something which warrants strong consideration for it reveals and demonstrates that we as the saints of God and we as the disciples of Christ can only walk in true obedience to the Father if we lay aside those things which are before us. In fact this is precisely what the author of this epistle set forth in the twelfth chapter of this epistle beginning with the first verse:

            “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

 

            Please pay close and careful attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for the author of this epistle begins by exhorting us on the basis of our being surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. In light of our being surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses we are to lay aside every weight AND the sin which so easily ensnares us. The purpose for our laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us is so we can run with endurance the race that is set before us. While we are running this race with endurance we look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. It was this Jesus who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. What makes the words which are found in this passage so incredibly powerful is not only the call to lay aside every weight AND the sin which so easily ensnares us but also to run the race. What’s more is we are not only admonished to run the race but we are admonished to run the race with endurance. It isn’t enough to simply run and to run the race but we are to run the race with endurance. It is one thing to simply run the race, however, it is something else to run the race with endurance within our hearts, endurance within our souls, endurance within our spirits and even endurance within our minds. You wouldn’t think that endurance is something that is needed, however, there are countless times when our hearts are not only weighed down by every weight but also the sin which so easily ensnares us. As a direct result we are and have become tired, weary, worn down and completely without the strength to run the race that is before us. It was the apostle Paul who emphatically declared at the end of his life that he had run the race, that he had fought the good fight of faith and that there was a crown of life that was stored up for him in eternity:

 

            “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

 

            We must also carefully consider the words the apostle Paul wrote unto Timothy in the first epistle which was sent unto him for some of the same words and language which was declared at the end of his life was written unto Timothy as well. That which the apostle Paul boldly declared concerning his life at the end when he was being poured out was something he admonished and encouraged Timothy to lay hold of in the first epistle written unto him. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the sixth and final chapter of the first epistle written unto Timothy beginning with the eleventh verse:

 

            “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will; manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:11-16).

 

            Returning to the twelfth chapter of the epistle written unto the Hebrews we find the author admonishing their readers and audience to lay aside every weight AND the sin which so easily ensnares them. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for while it is true we have indeed been called to run with endurance the race which is set before us we must recognize recognize that we cannot do while we are still carrying the weights upon our shoulders. Moreover we cannot expect to run with endurance the race that is set before us while we are still contending with the sin which so easily ensnares us. There is something to be said about our willingness and ability to lay aside every weight that is and has been weighing us down—weighing us down within our hearts, weighing us down within our souls, weighing us down within our spirits and weighing us down within our minds. There are countless men and women among us in this generation who are attempting to run this race which is before them and yet they are finding they do not have the endurance to run it because of the weight(s) they are carrying and because of the sin which has so easily ensnared and beset them. The author of this epistle made it perfectly and abundantly clear that there are two main hindrances to our ability to run the race that is before us—and to run that race with endurance. The first hindrance is the sin which so easily ensnares us while the second is every weight which we are and have been carrying. What’s more is the author’s words seem to suggest that the choice and decision to deliver ourselves from the weight(s) we have been carrying and from the sin which so easily ensnares us is ours and ours alone. There is absolutely no one who can and/or will make the decision for us. There is no brother nor is there any sister who can and/or will make the decision to lay aside the weight(s) we have been carrying and which have been weighing us down in this life. There is no brother nor is there any sister that can and will deliver us from the sin which so easily ensnares us in this life.

 

            I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the fact that there are two things which are robbing and have robbed us of the endurance needed in the midst of the race we are and have been running. The author of this epistle makes it perfectly clear that there is an endurance that is so vital and critical to our being able to run the race which is before us and yet there are two things which can steal, rob, destroy and kill that endurance. Oh I am absolutely convinced there might are men and women among us in many of our churches who are running the race which is and has been set before them yet they are not running with endurance. There are men and women who are running the race which is before them and yet they are doing so without and apart from the endurance that is so vital and critical to make it to the end. With this being said I can’t help but wonder if there are men and women who might very well be running the race right now and yet because they are and have been running with weights upon their shoulders, weights upon their backs, weights within their souls, weights within their hearts and weights within their minds they do not have the endurance to finish. Moreover I can’t help but wonder if there are men and women who are present among us who are indeed running the race which is present before them and yet they do not have the endurance to run that race because they are running ensnared by that sin which has continually bound them. RUNNING ENSNARED! RUNNING WEIGHED DOWN! This is something we must needs recognize and understand for we are entering in and approaching days that are not getting any easier but are instead growing and becoming increasingly darker, more dangerous and more deceptive. I do not believe the days before and ahead of us are going to be getting any easier but are going to become increasingly and more challenging as we continue to exist in this life.

 

            I realize I might be getting ahead of myself within this epistle written unto the Hebrews, however, there is something to be said about our Lord who laid aside the glory He had with the Father that He might run the race which was set before Him. The eternal and only begotten Son of the Father laid aside the glory He had with the Father that he might endure the cross despising the shame and at the end when all was said and done would be seated at the right hand of the throne of God in heaven. Jesus Christ did indeed and did in fact lay aside the glory He had with the Father from the beginning that He might take upon Himself the form of human flesh. It was only in the form of human flesh he was able to run the race which was before Him—and not only run the race which was before Him but take up and carry the cross unto the place of His sacrifice and death. The Lord Jesus Christ laid aside the glory He had with the Father from the beginning of time that He might—in the flesh—endure the cross that He might finish and complete the work which was ordained and appointed for Him upon the cross. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of when reading the words found in this epistle for it calls and draws our attention to the supreme example our Lord Jesus Christ is for us as we prepare to run and are indeed running the race which is before us.

 

            It is with this in mind I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to some distinct passages which are found in the New Testament concerning the race which was set before the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father. What’s more is there is also a passage found in the Old Testament prophetic book of Isaiah which describes this race which was set before the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father who would indeed lay aside His glory that He might take upon Himself the form of a servant. When Jesus came to the earth to run the race which was before Him He not only came as the Son of the Father but He also came as servant of the Father. As Jesus ran the race which was set before Him He not only came as the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father but He also came as the divine Servant who would indeed move, walk and operate in full obedience in the sight of the Father which was in heaven. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it brings us face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the full obedience, faithfulness and obedience of the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father which is seated at the right hand of the Father which is in heaven. Having said this I find it necessary to call and draw your attention to the following words which are found in these passages beginning with the words which the ancient Hebrew prophet Isaiah prophesied in the fifty-third chapter of the prophetic book which bears his name:

 

            “Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has not form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His tripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one to his own way, and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people He was stricken. And they made His grave with the wicked—but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When you make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge my righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear His iniquities. Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:1-12).

 

            The prophet Isaiah helped set the stage for an understanding of the race which was set before the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father—a race of suffering, a race of persecution, a race of sacrifice and ultimately a race that would lead to death. It’s actually quite unique to think about the fact that the race which was set before our Lord would lead Him straight to death—and not only straight to death but through death itself. It’s important to note that the race which the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father ran did not lead Him to death and that was the end of the race and the end of the story. What we must acknowledge is that the race before the Son would lead Him to death but it would also lead Him through death for on the third day which was the first day of the week He would be raised from death to life and would come forth from the grave. There was a great need to run with endurance the race which was before Him and there was at least one point in time when Jesus was alone with the Father in the garden and prayed about this race which was before Him. If you turn and direct your attention to the New Testament gospels you will find that there was a specific point just before the betrayal and suffering would begin Jesus was alone with the Father and would actually wrestle and contend with the will of the Father and the race which was before Him. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it brings us face to face with the incredible truth surrounding that even Jesus wrestled and contended with the race which was before Him. Even Jesus Himself—when alone with the Father in the garden—wrestled and struggled with completing and finishing the race which was before Him. It was there in the garden where Jesus was alone with the Father and would ask if it was possible that the cup which He was to drink pass from Him then the Father would allow it to be so. Ultimately, however, Jesus would emphatically declare before and unto the Father that it was not His will but the will of the Father be done. Consider if you will the following words which describe this scene in the garden as Jesus went a stone’s throw from Peter, James and John whom He had brought into the garden with Him:

 

            “Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, Sit here while I go and pray over there. And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me. He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, What! Could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup cannot pass away from me unless I drink it, your will be done. And he came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand” (Matthew 26:36-46).

 

            “Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, Sit here while I pray. And He took Peter, James and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then he said to them, My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch. He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will. Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. Then He came the third time and said to them, Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour had come; behold, the Son of man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand? (Mark 14:32-42).

 

            “Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the place, He said to them, pray that you may not enter into temptation. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, Father, if it is your will, take this cup away from me; nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done. Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation” (Luke 22:39-46).

 

            It is quite clear from the words which are found in these passages of Scripture that the Son—as He was preparing to be betrayed by Judas into the hands of the religious leaders and delivered into the hands of sinners—withdrew Himself into the garden to be alone with the Father. Upon entering into the garden Jesus brought with Him the disciples Peter, James and John and instructed them to abide and tarry in prayer. As you read the words which are found in this passage you will find that when Jesus left Peter, James and John He initially left them with the instruction and command to watch with Him while He himself would go and pray. Jesus would go a little further into the garden and would fall upon His face before and in the sight of the Father which was in heaven. There alone before and with the Father he would entreat the Father if it were possible that the cup which was before Him might pass from Him. Even though Jesus would pray these words before and in the sight of the Father He would ultimately relegate Himself to the will of the Father and would emphatically declare, saying, “Not as I will, but as you will.” What we must recognize when reading these words is that after Jesus prayed the first time in the presence of the Father He would return to the disciples and would find them a sleeping. Upon seeing them sleeping He would speak unto Peter and ask if he and the others could not watch with Him one hour. Not only did Jesus ask if they could not watch and pray with Him one hour but He would instruct them to pray lest they enter into temptation for the spirit indeed was willing but the flesh was weak. Oh there is something we must needs understand when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and that is how the eternal Father and the only begotten Son are looking for those with endurance—those who can watch and pray lest they entering into temptation knowing the days before them are incredibly dark and dangerous.

 

            I read the words which are found in these passages of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth surrounding the race—and the cup—which was set before the Lord. This race and cup would require Him to not only be betrayed, would not only require Him to be be wrongly and falsely accused, would not only require Him to be imprisoned, would not only require Him to suffer but would ultimately require Him to be crucified to the cross and offer up His life as a sacrifice. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for the race which was set before the Lord Jesus was one which could only be run having laid aside the glory He had with the Father which was in heaven and having taken upon Himself the form of human flesh and the seed of Abraham. Jesus could only run this race which was before Him having taken upon Himself the form of human flesh and when He was present in the garden alone with the Father His prayer was prayed during and in the days of his flesh. While it is indeed true that Jesus was fully and one-hundred percent God in the flesh it is also true that He was made up of flesh and blood. As such He would sense and feel the very same emotions that we ourselves face within and throughout our lives being in the flesh. When Jesus entered into the garden and prayed this prayer these three times He did so being fully aware of his humanity and fully aware of the flesh that was indeed weak. I am convinced that when Jesus declared unto Peter that the flesh was indeed weak He was quite possibly referring to His own flesh. Jesus recognized that His flesh was indeed weak but that the spirit was willing. This is precisely why Jesus would pray these three times in the sight and presence of the Father for He was very much aware of the fact that His flesh was indeed weak.

 

            As I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in these passages of Scripture I am brought face to face with the incredibly awesome and powerful truth surrounding the flesh which Jesus took upon Himself. What we must needs recognize and understand is that Jesus’ willingness to take upon Himself the form of flesh and blood meant that He would take upon Himself that which was weak in the natural and physical sense. I am convinced this is why the Spirit descended and abode upon Him as He emerged from the waters of the Jordan River for Jesus would indeed need the Holy Spirit within and throughout His public ministry. Jesus would indeed walk among men within an earthly tent of flesh and blood, however, we must needs understand that the flesh which He took upon Himself was weak. We dare not and must not think that His flesh was somehow supercharged with the divine nature and was somehow different than the flesh which we have within ourselves. The epistle written unto the Hebrews makes it very clear that the flesh and blood which Jesus took upon Himself was the same flesh and blood which we have within ourselves. Jesus took upon Himself the form of flesh and blood and the flesh which He had—that outer tabernacle and ten—was just as frail and subject to weakness as ours is. Jesus in the flesh would and could feel the very same things we feel within our flesh for He would feel every punch, every slap, every thorn from the crown placed upon His brow, every lash from the Roman scourge and even the nails which were driven into His feet and His hands. We dare not think that Jesus’ flesh was somehow immune and exempt from the feeling(s) of pain, hurt and suffering for Jesus felt the full weight, force, pressure, and pain of His suffering. This is precisely why Jesus prayed in the garden three times for He knew that His own flesh was weak but the spirit within Him was willing.

 

            The more I think about this particular truth the more I am brought face to face with the incredible truth that the flesh which Jesus took upon Himself wasn’t somehow some type of divine or eternal flesh that was altogether different from ours. When the Scripture speaks of the flesh and blood which Jesus took upon Himself we must needs understand that the flesh and blood which He took upon Himself was indeed weak and frail just as the flesh and blood we have. Jesus took upon Himself flesh that He might suffer in the flesh, experience pain in that flesh, that the flesh might be broken and that he might experience the incredible hurt and pain that would and could be felt within that flesh. Jesus took upon Himself blood for it was that blood flowing within Him that would need to be shed and poured out. Jesus took upon Himself the form of flesh that His flesh might be broken for us and he would take upon Himself blood that His blood might be poured out. When we think about Jesus taking upon Himself the form of flesh and blood it is imperative we recognize that He took such elements upon Himself that He might be broken and poured out in the sight of the Father as a sacrifice for us. Oh there is a great need for us to recognize that Jesus’ flesh was just as weak and just as susceptible to the same degree and measure of hurt and pain as our own flesh is. When Jesus took upon Himself the form of flesh and blood He would and could experience the very same hurt, pain, suffering and the like which we ourselves experience, have experienced and might yet still experience in the coming days. What’s more is that in the form of flesh and blood He was also able to experience temptation just as we ourselves were. For us to have a conversation about Jesus taking upon Himself the form of flesh and blood we must needs recognize and understand that this race which was set before Him would indeed require Him to wander in the wilderness for forty days and to overcome the temptation of the devil. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the Synoptic gospels written by the apostle Matthew, John Mark and the physician Luke:

 

            “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over you, and, In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. Jesus said to him, It is written again, You shall not tempt the LORD your God. Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, All these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me. Then Jesus said to Him, Away with you, Satan! For it si written, You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve. Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him” (Matthew 4:1-11).

 

            “Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness fort days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him” (Mark 1:13).

 

            “Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, he was hungry. And the devil said to Him, If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread. But Jesus answered Him, saying, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, All this authority I will give you, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I will give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if you will worship before me, all will be yours. And Jesus answered and said to him, Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve. Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you, and, In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. And Jesus answered and said to him, It has been said, You shall not tempt the LORD your God. Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:1-13).

 

            Please pay close attention to the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to this race which was set before Jesus—a race that would indeed begin and would be marked by temptation. Before Jesus would be manifested as the Light of the world that would shine in the darkness and before He would teach and preach unto the multitudes He would suffer and experience temptation just as we experience(d) temptation. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful reality that when Jesus took upon Himself the form of flesh and blood that flesh was subjected to temptation just as our flesh is subjected to temptation. The flesh which Jesus took upon Himself was not somehow some divine and eternal flesh that was immune and exempt from experiencing the same hurt, pain and suffering we ourselves have experienced and might very well experience in the days which are ahead. The flesh and blood which Jesus took upon Himself was indeed flesh and blood that was and could in all ways be subjected to temptation and was weak just as our own flesh is weak. Pause for a moment and think about it for if Jesus took upon Himself the form of flesh and blood that flesh and blood would indeed need to be similar in nature and makeup to ours. For the apostle Paul in the epistle written unto the Philippians, for the apostle Paul to write in the epistle unto the Colossian saints, for the apostle John to write in the gospel narrative of Jesus’ life and ministry and for the author of this epistle written unto the Hebrew to write the words they wrote the flesh and blood Jesus took upon Himself would have had to be the very same flesh and blood which we are clothed with and possess. The flesh which Jesus had upon Himself as His earthly tent was not somehow some superhuman or supernatural flesh that could not experience hurt and pain and He would indeed feel and experience the same things we ourselves experience and have experienced.

 

             It is with this in mind I invite you to now consider the following words which are found in the New Testament passages of Scripture which have previously been mentioned. It is necessary to consider the words which the apostle John wrote in the first chapter of the New Testament gospel concerning the life and ministry of Jesus. It is necessary to consider the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the second chapter of the epistle written unto the Philippian saints as well as within the first and second chapters of the epistle written unto the Colossian saints. It is necessary to consider the words which are found in the first and second chapters of the epistle written unto the Hebrews as well as the words which are found in the first epistle written by the apostle John. With this being said I now invite you to consider the following words which are found in each of these New Testament passages of Scripture beginning with the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John:

 

            “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, This was He of whom I said, He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me. And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given  through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him” (John 1:1-18).

 

            “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservants, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:1-11).

 

 

            “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you. May walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for HIm. And He is before all things, and in Him all things on it’s. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:9-18).

 

            “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of the requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:11-15).

 

            “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the world; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For to which of the angels did He ever say: You are my Son, today I have begotten you? And again: I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to me a Son? But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: Let all the angels of God worship Him. And of the angels He says: Who makes his angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. But to the Son he says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness more than your companions. And: You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak you will fold them up, and they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will not fail. But to which of the angels has He ever said: Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:1-14).

 

            “For he has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying: What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that He put all in subjection under Him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things under hum. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: I will declare your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to you. And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: Here am I and the children whom God has given me. Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made l;Ike His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:5-18).

 

            “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for his seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God” (1 John 3:7-9).

 

            With all of this being presented to and before you I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to one more passage before returning to the third and fourth chapters of the New Testament epistle written unto the Hebrews. In the fifth chapter of the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome we find the apostle writing unto these saints concerning the first Adam by and through whom sin and death entered as well as the second Adam through whom life, righteousness, peace and salvation came through. This is something we have a great need of recognizing and paying attention to for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding Jesus coming in the flesh and running the race before Him that we might indeed experience salvation, justification, righteousness, peace, grace, mercy and holiness in the sight and presence of the living God. Consider if you will the following words found in this chapter beginning with the first and opening verse:

 

            “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from Warth through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (Romans 5:1-11).

 

            “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death  through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—(For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift and the gift by the grace of one the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:12-21).

 

            It is absolutely necessary we recognize and pay attention to the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for they bring us face to face with the tremendous reality that Jesus did indeed and did in fact lay aside the glory He had with the Father from the beginning. Even when Jesus preparing to depart from His world and returning unto the Father He entreated the Father to glorify Him with the glory which He had with Him from the beginning. When Jesus laid aside His glory which He had with the Father from the beginning He deliberately and intentionally took upon Himself the form of a servant—and not only the form of a servant but also the form of flesh and blood. This is something which warrants strong consideration for it brings us face to face with the absolutely wonderful and astonishing truth surrounding the Lord Jesus taking upon Himself flesh and blood—the same flesh and blood which we possess. Jesus took upon Himself the same flesh and blood which we possess that He might run with endurance the race which was before Him. In that form of flesh and blood Jesus was in all ways tempted as we are and yet was without sin. The author of the epistle written unto the Hebrews emphatically declared that Jesus was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor that He by the grace of God might taste death for everyone. Jesus took upon Himself the form of flesh and blood that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death which was the devil. Not only this but Jesus also delivered and released those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. It was absolutely necessary for Jesus to be made like His brethren in ALL THINGS that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Moreover the author of the apostle written unto the Hebrews writes how in that Jesus Himself has suffered being tempted He is able to aid those who are tempted.

 

            I am sitting here today thinking about the words which are found in the epistle written unto the Hebrews and I am brought face to face with the fact that Jesus is the ultimate example of running the race which is before us. The author of the epistle written unto the Hebrews emphatically declared and spoke of Jesus how for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross and despised the shame thereof and is now seated at the right hand of the Father which is in heaven. With this being said the author of this epistle writes and admonishes their readers and audience to lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares them that they might run with endurance the race that was set before them. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding that which not only destroys our endurance but also causes us to run this race without and apart from endurance. I continue to believe there are countless men and women who are running this race and yet are running without endurance because they are running with those weights which they have been carrying. There are men and women among us who have been and are running this race and yet they are without endurance because they are and have been bound by the sin which so easily ensnares them. This is something we must needs understand and recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for we as the saints of God and we as the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ must needs be those who are ready, willing and able to lay aside every weight that has bound us and held us down and held us back. There are countless men and women who are running this race and yet are not able to run the race the way they were created and intended of running it because of weight(s) and sin(s).

 

            When you come to the third chapter of the epistle written unto the Hebrews you will find the author of the epistle writing unto these brethren who are partakers of the heavenly calling. The author of this epistle called them to consider the Apostle and High Priest of their confession—Christ Jesus—who was faithful to Him who appointed Him. Please pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage for it brings us face to face with the awesome and powerful truth surrounding the faithfulness of Jesus to the One who had sent Him. There is something to be said about the Lord Jesus who laid aside the glory which He had with the Father from the beginning that He might walk in faithfulness, obedience and humility in the sight of the living and eternal God. I continue to ask the question of what we need to lay aside that we might walk in obedience, faithfulness and obedience in the sight of the Father. What do we as the saints of God and we as the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ need to lay aside that we might truly walk in obedience, faithfulness and obedience in the girth and presence of the living God? I am absolutely convinced we must needs take our example from the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father who is both the Apostles and High Priest of our confession—Christ Jesus. Jesus the Christ was faithful to Him who appointed Him as Moses also was faithful in all His house and has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses inasmuch as He who built the house has Norte honor than the house. The author writes that every house is built by by someone but He who built all things is God. Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward but Christ as a Son over His own house was faithful. It is this house of Christ—this household of faith—we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

 

            It is at this juncture I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words of admonition and instruction the author of this epistle written unto the Hebrews presents to the readers. There is a great need for us as the saints of God to recognize and understand the words of instruction and admonition which are found in this epistle for they bring us face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding that which we have been called to in this life. We as the saints of God and we as the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ must needs be those who recognize and understand that we must needs walk in faithfulness, obedience and humility in the sight and presence of the living God. Within the epistle written unto the Hebrews is tremendous instruction, admonition and exhortation which is desperately needed within our lives and within this generation. There is a great need for us as the saints of God to recognize the instruction that was given within this epistle that we might walk in a manner that is worthy and pleasing in the sight and presence of the living God. The question I find myself asking is whether or not we are and have been walking in a manner that is pleasing in the sight and presence of the living God. Are we as the saints of God and we as the disciples of Christ walking in a manner that pleases and honors and glorifies the living God in this life? Are we indeed laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us that we might run with endurance the race that has been set before us? There is not a doubt in my mind that we are indeed entering into days which are incredibly dark and dangerous—days which require confidence, days which require steadfastness, days which require endurance, days which require trust, days which require faith within our hearts and spirits. I am convinced the instruction(s) given in this epistle is such that must needs be understood within our heart for it directly confronts us with that which we have indeed and have in fact been called to do within this life. We must needs acknowledge that we have indeed and have in fact been called to righteousness, to faithfulness, to obedience to and to humility in this life and that the Lord Jesus Christ was and still is the ultimate example of this. Having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found within this epistle beginning with the words found in the opening verses of the second chapter:

 

            “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will” (Hebrews 2:1-4).

 

            “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily while it is called Today lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said, Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion” (Hebrews 3:12-15).

 

            “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have some short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do not enter that rest, as He has said: So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter my rest, although the works were finished from the foundation of the world” (Hebrews 4:1-3).

 

            “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:11-13).

 

            “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

 

As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the absolutely incredible truth that we as the saints of God and we as the disciples of Christ must needs recognize the tremendous call to lay aside everything that weighs us down—and not only everything that weighs us down but also that sin which so easily ensnares us. We as the disciples of Christ must recognize that we have been given an invitation to come boldly unto the throne of grace that we might obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need and that we need to hold fast our confession. We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness but was in all points tempted as we are and yet was without sin. Moreover we must needs be diligent to enter into the rest lest anyone fall according to the same disobedience and unbelief the children of Israel succumbed and gave themselves to in the wilderness. There is a promise of rest for each and every one of us and we must needs fear lest we come short of that rest and not enter in. There must not be within any of us an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God and we must exhort one another daily while it is called “Today” lest Anya of us be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. We have indeed become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end. Oh that there would be a remnant and people in these Last Days who are not only steadfast and unmovable but who are also those who can and will endure in the midst of anything and everything we face within this life. We as the saints of God must needs recognize and understand that we have indeed been called to lay aside every weight and that sin which so easily ensnares us that we might be free to run the race before us—and not only run the race which is before us but run with endurance that we might lay hold of the crown which is laid up for us on that great and final day.