Yesterday in Class, we talked about the eyes. We started off talking about what are characteristics of role models that we like. The answers ranged from a hottie to humble and everything in between. It was interesting to see what the teens wanted in a role models because I did not limit them to a Christian role models, but just a role model. Then I asked what characeristic they appreciated the most and no one said anyting about physical characteristic, but things like trust, loving, funny, and smart. I found this interesting because we live in a world were the outer covering is so important and I thought at least one person would say it, but maybe they just thought it. Its still interesting.
Anyway, they I ask them why more people don’t have a role model. There were answers like, no one is good enough, but the one I think contributes the most is when a role model lets you down. When a role model lets you down a lot of things happen. The person you have put on a pedastal for all that time comes crashing down to your level. They no longer seem perfect, but remarkable flawed. All the bad things they have done that you were blinded to come crashing down on you. You see them for who they are. A sinner just like you. You are left wondering what you should do and I belive this leads many people not to have a role model.
From this transition point, we moved the lesson into who can we look up to to be our role model. And guess who we decided it should be. Thats right Jesus. Look at this passage from Hebrews 12:1-3
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
First, we looked at what the great cloud of witnesses was. This referred back to Hebrews 11 which is the great passage on Faith and how all these people believed and then lived a life for God. This shows we have many great example of what to do when we are having a tough time. Then the Hebrews writer steps on some toes. He says that we have to throw off all those things that hold us back from serving God. This is the hard and difficult part of Christianity. We want everything to be easy and to have God bless us by giving us things. That, however, it not what how it is. Christians have to get rid of all those things in our lives that lead us away from God. Whether it is that movie you shouldn’t have watched, those things you shouldn’t have said, or helping that person that you didn’t helped. Our own selfish desires are what get us in trouble because we don’t want to let go of the things we like, but know are wrong. The Hebrew writer tells us to get rid of those things and fill that space with Jesus because he was punished, cursed, beaten, and murdered for us. We need to fix our Eyes of Jesus because only with his help are we ever going to be saved. Only He can save us from ourselves.
